Car crash - when do I go back to work?

[CharleyAB]

Hi all,

I'm 18 weeks and five days.
Yesterday on the way to work I was in a car crash. Nothing major luckily. I was braking but the car behind me kept going and went into me at 50mph or so. There was a hard bump and my whole body was jarred. I was told to call the police and they called an ambulance as I'm pregnant and because I was experiencing back pain. Anyway, a&e said there is no lasting damage just back pain which will subside with time. The doc wasn't interested in the baby and tried to listen with a stethoscope which wasnt successful. I went to see my midwife today and she recommended I take it easy this week, stay home. The only thing is I feel guilty about work. If I feel ok should I go? I need to travel for 50 minutes on a train then 20 mins on the tube. Sorry to ask stupid questions, I just don't know what to do. I feel rest would b good for me but don't know how to tell the boss and don't want to make him mad. Thank you for listening. X

Stuff your boss you were in a car crash! If its a week you will need a certificate but if its until next Mon you can self cert .

Stay at home!!!!! Put your feet up and rest. Listen to your midwife.

Don't feel guilty about work - you and your baby come first.

HI
Sorry to hear of the car crash

I would give it another day at least. I've heard that the effects can take a few days to come on - particularly whiplash

I was talking to my osteop path (who is treating my SPD) about crashes and apparently an osteo can do wonders for whiplash if you get it looked at before it hurts. I am no expert, but I'd recommend taking it easy. 50mph is pretty hard bump- of course depending on your speed.

Take care

GBL x

Defo stay at home! Tell your boss you'll check your emails in a couple of days if you feel up to it. That way you show willing but look after yourself.

Hope you're ok, sounds quite shocking

Poor you, I can completely empathise. I was in a car crash at 12 weeks and felt really guilty for missing work. The best advice I was given is that more people regret going back to work too early than those who think that they return too late.
It turns out that this was just what I needed to reassure me that I was doing the correct thing in taking time off. The most important people are you and your baby and not your boss.
The accident may affect you more than you think both psychologically and physically so take your time :). xx

Can you assuage your guilt by doing a bit of work from home? I agree with the others though - just rest and put your feet up! x

I was in a car crash (more minor than yours, but serious enough to totally wreck my car) with DC1 when I was 14 weeks pregnant. I still remember it, tbh, and was pretty shaken by it. They took me way more seriously than your stupid doctor seems to, though, and monitored the baby - ultrasound, heartbeat, the works - kept me in for a few hours, then home for total bed rest. Luckily, it was on a Friday, and I rested up for that weekend and then was back on Monday. Deffo take it easy, and please don't worry about work! Hope you are feeling better now....

Thank you all. I was def going to work from home. Just feel guilty for not making the trek into work.
Ill think up something to tell the boss that will keep him happy. Thank you again xx

I have a similar crash at 20 weeks on a fri with no damage done just a bit sore and bruised. I had the wknd off then went in on Monday, I wish I'd taken more time, my body reacted weirdly and I felt exhausted plus my stress levels went sky high as I was still worked up about crash and had to get lifts etc to work as car was in the garage for a few weeks. My advice is even if you feel fine I think shock does funny things to you. I don't think I gave myself enough time to recover and felt it for a good few weeks after.