Covid-19 advice (whilst pregnant)

[Katie070189]

Hi,
I really hope someone can offer some advice.
I am 32 weeks pregnant, and have just been informed that in my workplace one person has tested positive for the virus.

I have spoke to a top boss and informed them that I am very anxious about staying in work for the remaining 3 weeks before I am officially off for 11 months.

Work dont seem to want to help me at all, And believe I am no more of a risk to any normal person.

I am not sure who the relevant people would be to contact to get some help or advice. I live in the North east of England which is one of the highest rate for covid, yet management does not feel like this should have any impact.

I hope someone can help, thank you

You are supposed to be more careful in your third trimester but the guidance is to work from home if you can. If you can’t, you go to work but should have a risk assessment. Pregnant teachers are now teaching with no social distancing so there isn’t really any special protection any more. Can you work from home? If not and you are anxious could you start your mat leave early?

For the first 5 months they allowed me to work from home as the majority of my work is computer based.

Things got better so asked me to come back into work at around 20 weeks, but now that things are getting critical they no longer are giving me the option to work from home and say there's no risk.

Is your office set up so you can social distance? There is no guidance now to say you should work from home for defi are, only if you can work from home effectively, so really it is up to them but maybe you could come up with a compromise? Or are you able to start your mat leave a few weeks early?

RCOG guidance - if you can work from home then do so

www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/#occupational

Government guidelines (and states pregnant women are in the vunerable group

www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-after-4-july

Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.

Those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable can go to work as long as the workplace is COVID-19 Secure, but should carry on working from home wherever possible.

Pregnancy is only on the exceptionally clinically vulnerable list if the mother-to-be also has certain serious cardiac issues.

It's the advice for the vulnerable that applies to nearly all pregnancies

What does the risk assessment say?

I think given your work technically can be done from home, they are a bit harsh making you come in.
My family member who is 34 weeks (teacher) has not had to return in September. The headteacher didn't want to put her at risk. She has some administrative jobs to do at home but has not been made to take early mat leave.

I really feel for you OP. I certainly think pregnant women in their third trimester should be allowed to work from home if preferred. The RCOG guidance linked by a previous poster explains why and encourages bosses to respect the mothers choice. Highlight and show your manager the relevant sections. Speak to your HR if possible.

I’m 32 weeks pregnant too and would not be happy in your situation. I work for the NHS (mental health nurse) and my line manager has strongly encouraged me not to come into work which is fine by me. Can you take some annual leave and leave earlier?

You mention "a top boss", is there an HR department or other "top boss" who you can go to? Take them the link above and ask for help.

Yes as other have said you need to push them to let you work from home. If they feel this isn't possible, request to begin your maternity leave asap. Have you any annual leave you could use in the interim?