Work and pregnancy sickness/exhaustion

[crochetcircle]

How do you all cope with working full time and early pregnancy sickness and exhaustion?

I'm 8 weeks and am feeling like I can't cope with work at the moment. I've got a pretty stressful job. I've called in sick today as I was so tired on the tube I couldn't keep my eyes open, it felt like I was about to get Flu, and I felt like I was going to chuck up every 5 mins or so.

I'll probably feel better later on if I have a good rest now, but I'm not sure I can just call in sick for the mornings and then work in the afternoon.

This could go on for weeks (fx'd not!), but I can't keep phoning in sick every day so I can sleep - what should I do? I already spend every hour outside of work resting, its not as if I'm prioritising doing anything else over going to work.

I don't want to tell all my colleagues as my last pregnancy ended in mc at 11 weeks - I'd rather they didn't know until they have to.

Grateful for any advice.

Having re-read my post it sounds like I'm just moaning! Its not meant to be a moan, just asking for advice...

I’m staying with my nan and I know she will be as supportive as she can but I don’t have anyone else. I’m conflicted as to wether I think I will be able to cope with a baby on my own at the stage in my life and I have no one to talk to about that decision making. My nan is very catholic and would be against me getting an abortion but also I don’t think having the baby will be ideal and I don’t want it to have a bad quality of life.

The first trimester can be horrible. I had the feeling of being hungover constantly, my brain was fuzzy, I couldn’t focus, I was being sick and oh my god the exhaustion. Do not feel bad that you are “only” 8 weeks - your body is going through massive changes, your hormones are going mad, your body is making so much extra blood and an entire placenta, which is basically an extra organ.

My advice is fuck all the advice on not telling anyone for 12 weeks. You are not making a fuss over nothing. You don’t have to do a full on pregnancy announcement or anything but when it comes to work, your boss/ manager should know. They can support and understand what you’re going through. I told my boss at 7-8 weeks because I was a total zombie and I have a demanding job and a long daily commute. They’ve been great. I’m nearly 35 weeks now and they’re still being great.

And to look at things in a very black and white way - yes, you could miscarry. Of course you could, anyone can. But if that was to happen before 12 weeks then are you not entitled to support? Why should you have to keep it to yourself like some dirty little secret? Do what feels right for you. (I’m sure you won’t miscarry, by the way - I’m only bringing that up because that was my own worry when I was telling people early, I was worried THEY would feel awkward if I was to have complications rather than thinking about what I would be going through - how messed up is that?)

The first trimester was when I needed the most support in hindsight, and it was also the time when all advice was telling me NOT to tell anyone.

Don’t get me wrong the 3rd trimester isn’t easy either - but at least now people can see the massive bump and have some sympathy!