Taking so much time off work

[firstbaby01]

Hi everyone, Im 13+5 and when im not throwing up i feel so exhausted i cant get out of bed. I haven't been able to complete a full week at work since the beginning of December and im starting to worry about what work are going to think. There is another girl in my department who is also pregnant and is a week ahead of me and she has had no pregnancy illness at all and im worried that work are going to think "well if shes fine then why has she had so much time off?" I work in an office 9-5 and the work is quite repetitive so when i do make it to work im exhausted by lunch. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and how did you cope? My doctor has given me anti sickness tablets which has helped alot with the sickness but most of the time im just tired and exhausted and cant get out of bed. Thanks for reading.

Hi, sorry you're feeling so awful, worrying about work just adds to the misery too.

I had awful nausea 6wks to 10wks and had nearly all of that time off work. My colleague/superior's partner is expecting twins and has had no time off at all so I felt exactly the same as you. Luckily he, and everyone else in the office, seems to be very sympathetic and now I'm back at work I don't feel like I've been judged harshly.

Every pregnancy is different, you might find you can do more later when your colleague can't. Don't worry about it, just try and relax until you feel more human.

I was signed off work for 7 months during my pregnancy, the sickness can be truly debilitating. You must do what is right for you and your little baby, don't worry what work thinks they're not allowed to discriminate against pregnancy related illnesses. Can you try being signed off fully for a week to rest up and get your strength up, then try going back to work and arranging a meeting with your manager and/or HR to explain that you're having medical issues to do with your pregnancy and see if there is anything they can do to make things easier.

I've been off for over 10 weeks, signed off by the doctor. Perhaps you should get signed off by your gp and at least it's a bit more official although there's nothing your work can so or say.

dont feel guilty just look after yourself, the anti sickness tabs are probably making you feel tired....mine exhaust me. You have my sympathy and remember some women sail through pregnancy and others like us get it tough so don't compare yourself to work colleague.

Hello don´t feel bad at all and come and join us on the Hyperemesis Thread which has lots of practical advice and support.

I was showing up at work at 11am and having to leave again at 3! They were very good. Fortunately I don´t have to work any more but I think it makes the HG worse.

You´re growing a baby work definitely takes second place. It has taken me a while to come round to that way of thinking but you need to rest and take care of yourself. They cannot say anything to you about pregnancy related sickness. I would get signed off for a couple of weeks and rest and get better. It should start to ease from 15 weeks or so in the majority of cases.

Thanks everyone. My doctors have been pretty useless so im not sure if they will sign me off but i will definatley try.

I've been signed off for a week and I hate it. The guilt is awful! Back on Wednesday and have to have an occupational health risk assessment when I go back. I'm 26 weeks tomorrow.

I've been signed off for most of my pregnancy, and I feel bad about it. Work have been fantastic, which makes me feel worse somehow!!

Just wanted you to know you're not alone and the feeling is shared.