Is being ill all the time normal?

[Chasabeth]

Hi guys,

I really need some advice. I'm 18 weeks 3 days with my first baby and I have been ill almost from the time I found out I was pregnant. Firstly with morning sickness and when that finally subsided I developed a cold/cough 3 weeks before Christmas. With work being so busy I didn't let myself take anytime off sick (plus work can be funny about it), until finally 2 weeks ago I had to go home from work because I was so run down.

The doctor gave me some amoxicillin, only the lowest dose for 5 days, but I developed a throat and ear infection and she signed me off for a week. This week is now up and I'm still not feeling 100% better, and I'm not sure about going back to work. I have a doctors appointment booked for Monday but I'm worried about what to do. I feel bad for taking time off of work but I worried that if I don't go back feeling 100% I will run myself into the ground as I did before. Do I ask the doctor to be signed off for another week to get myself fully better? What are my rights whilst being ill whilst pregnant?

I knew my immune system would be hit hard whilst pregnant but I had no idea it would be like this. My boss isn't overly inderstanding and the situation is starting to stress me out.

Hi I'm 11w4d and I've been the same as you! Now on antibiotics for throat infection(2nd lot)!! Been getting I'll almost every week!! My work have been a little funny about it too but I dont care! You have to put your health first and feel better before going back!! I had 3 weeks off in a row and it helped!!
Don't feel guilty, you can't help being poorly!!

I'm 18+1 and have also felt rotten from start just had 2 weeks off with a bad back going to take it easy next week but work are good otherwise I would have another week. I think you should wait and make sure you are properly better especially as your work aren't great.

Same here I'm 31 weeks and after months of sickness I then ended up with a cold with a bloody cough that won't go away, constantly have a running nose lol. Headaches and as well as spd and feeling pretty much nackered all the time. Had all my bloods done every thing come bk fine think it might just be one of those things, I've never had that pregnancy glow lol

On the plus I drink lots of water so my hair and skin are looking good but that's it lol

The time off sick will be treated the same as it usually would as you're not off with pregnancy related sickness. Because of this, I'd definitely say take the extra week to try and get yourself fully well again. Pregnancy related sickness doesn't count towards absence trigger points but things like throat infections still do, so take the time in one block rather than trying to go back too soon and ending up signed off again.

On a related note, are you eating properly, making sure you're getting enough nutrients and enough fluids? This will make a huge difference to your immune system.

Thanks for your help with this guys, I would like to say I'm glad it's not just me feeling unwell but then I wouldn't want anyone else feeling like this! I will speak to the doctor tomorrow and say that I don't feel ready to go back and that I still feel unwell and hopefully they will sign me off again.

Rockchick1984 Yes I'm eating well and drinking lots but I think that because I've had this for so long and tried to make myself better and going to work, I think I've really run myself into the ground. I am struggling to sleep because of my cough, which is tough.

Me too. 35 weeks here and the constitution of an ox generally! I've not had sick day in 3 years until I got this virus just after new year. It started as nasty and coldy, turned into a sinus infection and im still coughing now. PG immune systems SUCK!

Started getting a bit tired pre-xmas, then worked really hard over the whole festive period to 'get ahead' whilst everyone was off pre my mat leave. Everyone came back to work refreshed 7th Jan, and felt a bit 'oh crap, I'm tried'. This turned into feeling a bit shit the middle of Jan, then been properly ill for 11 days now, and still no sign of being recovered. Ugh!

TeaAndANatter That's excatly what I did, worked really hard over Christmas and run myself into the ground.

I must admit I and worried about tomorrow, I just hope the doctor will sign me off, I've been feeling gradually worse again over the past few days. My mum said that I try to please everyone and that's why I feel bad about taking time off, but as she and my friends have said I need to put my baby and myself first. Before I was pregnant, if I was ill I would just work through it, which is what I tried to do here and it didn't work.

I'm the same as you OP. I hate being off work sick. I've not had a sick day in years. In the last 22 weeks I've been off for a total of 5 days and used a few holidays to help sort myself out.

I just can't struggle through like I did before I was pregnant. I hate not going in but it's not about me any more. I have to look after the little one and it's telling me to give in for once.

Hope your Doc will sign you off.

I'm 8weeks pg with DC3 (I have 4 and 2 year old boys). As if that isn't energy-draining enough, I've been suffering with the worst cough and cold I've EVER had, constant morning sickness, and I'm on anti-biotics for a suspected cyst in my breast.

I feel like poo 24/7. I am seriously considering throwing a sickie just to sleep! I feel so run down and even if I get 8-9 hours sleep a night, I have THE most vivid dreams and I wake up feeling like I've been hit by a bus!