Horrible back pain, extremely tired, off work sick and worrying

[rdr15]

I keep suffering with horrible back pain across my lower back its difficult sitting up straight, bending over and sleeping is just non existent I'm so tired. I've rung in sick today for work and I can't stop worrying about it. I'm 32+3 and have already had 20 days off sick this pregnancy due to various things but this is probably the fourth time I've been off due to my back. I'm worried they will start questioning my absences because they are sporadic as although my back can be really bad for a few days it will then disappear and then suddenly flare up again. I'm also worried they will start my mat leave if I don't go back to work this week. I'm not sue to go off till 38 weeks. I just feel very anxious about the whole thing and just need to talk it out.

What advice has the mw given? Have you self referred to the physios for back pain? I'm sure many pg ladies have similar sickness records.

I was referred to physio early on in my pregnancy and was last there on Wednesday where they signed me off from seeing them again because I hadn't suffered with any pain for a month prior to the appt and then Saturday morning just woke up and couldn't move.

Ah that sucks. Try not to worry about your record, you are in pain, you're not shirking

They can't force you to start mat leave unless you're off sick after 36 weeks. Generally most employers immediately trigger your mat leave if you're off after this point though, very few will negotiate!