Early pregnancy and shift work

[JEMISMYNAME]

Hi Ladies

I am only five weeks pregnant in my first pregnancy and am very happy. It is only my husband and my mum that know at the moment. I am a shift worker and am really struggling with tiredness at the moment. I feel completely exhausted. Its so bad that I actually fell asleep at my desk for a good ten minutes during night shift at about 0545. I woke myself up with a shake! So embarassing. I am also getting really bad headaches however can't take anything for these. I am just wondering if anyone has been there and how they coped with it - any suggestions? I am night shift again tonight and hoping i last the night!!!

Thanks.

Have you told your employer that you're pregnant? Once you tell them they need to do a Health and Safety risk assessment ('tis law so make sure they do!) and one of the risks it covers is shift work because of tiredness, etc and the impact it can have on your well-being - other things it covers are subjects like working entirely alone, lifting, chemicals, etc. Basically if anything is causing you problems or poses a risk then your employer has to remove this risk and accommodate your needs. This can include things like flexible working hours, a temporary move to another job or department (on the same pay and conditions), extra breaks, no night shifts, etc. If your employer can't remove the risk or can't make changes to your job then they have to suspend you on full pay until they can or until your maternity leave starts. The Health and Safety Executive have more information on their website.

Hi CBear6

Thanks so much for your reply. I haven't told them yet as I am only five weeks - I was going to wait until I was twelve weeks. I have my first midwife appointment on Monday as well so was going to seek advice from her too.

I am thankfully not doing any manual work like lifting and stuff, its just the shifts that are tiring me out at the moment. Im trying to get as much sleep as I can before night shifts (all shifts actually) so am hoping I stay awake until 7am on this shift!!

I will have a look at the website you have recommended too.

Thanks

Jem