Nervous about asking GP to sign me off work tomorrow

[OrangeMochaFrappucino]

I am nearly 10 weeks pregnant and suffering from very severe nausea and exhaustion. In my first pregnancy I was vomiting from this point until 18 weeks 2-3 times a day and really struggled to cope but didn't dare see a doctor as I thought they would tell me to stop making a fuss and that's what pregnancy is like.

This time I am not vomiting (only once so far) but the nausea is overwhelming and unremitting. I feel so ill all the time, have been getting diarrhea since the start , am struggling to drink enough fluids as drinking exacerbates the nausea, I am retching a lot and feeling so exhausted I am not managing to wash my hair or get dressed most days. I am a teacher and have been off since last Friday. I know I can't go back until I feel better, but that could still be a few weeks.

I have a doctor's appt tomorrow and am convinced they won't take me seriously and it will look like I'm just trying to get out of work. I couldn't sleep last night for worrying about it. I got signed off for a week in June for a miscarriage and am so afraid of asking for another sick note. However, I am sure I need a couple of weeks off at least and my work are supportive - they just want it confirmed so they can make cover plans. I'm just so scared that the doctor will think I'm a skiver trying it on to get a free holiday. I don't know why I'm so anxious, it just feels wrong to go in and ask for a sick note. Can anyone reassure me and maybe help me to phrase it tomorrow?

You're not being ridiculous at all, clearly you need the time off. Being exhausted and dehydrated is not good for you or baby and you shouldn't feel guilty about asking for what you need. The exhaustion will prob be making the nausea worse so you are stuck in a vicious circle until you get a rest.

Good luck tmw - don't be apologetic about needing time off.

' hello doctor. I'm 10 weeks pregnant and have been so so sick. I can barely function. My work would like me to recover properly at home and arrange proper cover for me as I have a demanding job. Please could you let me have a sick note for them to arrange this on record? '

Expand on how bad you feel. But that's basically all you need to say

Feel better soon

Tell the doc what you've just told the internet. It will be fine.

Thank you - I really appreciate you all answering (and my hormones are making me cry a bit). I don't know why I get worked up about stuff like this! Whenever I see a doctor I feel like a massive timewaster!

My experience is that docs are generally happy to sign you off when you explain the situation, and are generally even more sympathetic not less if you are pregnant... So don't worry...

But more importantly get some treatment, it is not normal to be that nauseous and you could easily end up in hospital. There is no need to suffer. Doc will check your wee for ketones so bring a sample and will want you admitted if you are over a certain reading. Taking the drugs is much safer than starvation and dehydration!

I had a similar experience, I was being sick 6 times a day. Work felt it unsafe as did I. Doctor was happy to provide sickness certs and gave me anti nausea pills, and injections when they didn't work. You are doing the right thing for you and your baby. I'm glad your work is supportive.

Thank you - I am eating little and often as if I go without food for three or more hours the nausea is unmanageable. I wake up in the night for crackers! So starvation isn't a problem, it's just hard to drink much. I'm freezing fruit juice in ice cube trays to suck and keep taking small sips of whatever I can stomach - usually lemonade. I used to drink 3ltrs of water a day! So because I can eat and am not vomiting I'm not too worried - it's just relentless nausea and mostly unproductive retching making it hard to do anything.

This is definitely my last baby! I never want to do this again!

Hi Jellyandcake,

I went to my GP today to ask to be signed off and I felt really cheeky, so I can see where you are coming from. Although I absolutely KNOW that I have justifiable reasons to be off and my boss is 100% behind me I was still so panicked the GP would think I was just trying to get some crafty time off!!

When I was explaining myself I felt like a naughty school kid trying to excuse my behaviour

She has given me the week off because that's what she thinks I need, although I know my boss wants me to take much longer. she has suggested that I go through my own Occupational Health Department as they will be able to make a much better judgement based on my job role etc and what my limitations are.

Good luck tomorrow!!

My tip, don't wear make-up and try and look as crap and as sh*tty as you possibly can

Thank you for all the comments - doc was sympathetic and signed me off for two weeks and said if I am still unwell then to go back. He warned me about dehydration and we discussed medication. I felt he took me seriously and feel much better knowing I can have a break and rest. Overall, very relieved!

Teaching is bloody difficult at the best of times but for me , secondary teaching combined with early pregnancy was a killer. I took nearly a month off and the doctor was incredibly supportive - in fact signed me off for a whole 2 months (I went back sooner).
Don't try and judge in advance what they'll say, you may be surprised. Most are simply willing to support your decision.

o sorry just seen you have already nbeen doh!
very glad you have been given a break.

Thanks, I feel better to know others can't manage either especially as I have some colleagues who breeze through early pregnancy whilst I'm knocked flat!

you've just got to go with it and completely rest.
screw those that have it easy!!!