Really worried about being signed off

[makeitabetterplace]

I'm 30 weeks pregnant and have been off work for over a week with rib pain. I'm unable to drive or walk for more than about twenty minutes and I can sit for longer than about that time.

I've never been signed off in my life and I am getting really worried about it. I've been having Physio (Nhs) and osteopathy (private) and it's not made any difference yet.

I have three weeks left til the Christmas break and then I am thinking I'll start my maternity leave after the break. I had wanted to go on longer but it's clear I can't.

I'm so worried about everyone at work thinking I'm just skiving off and about not being able to do a proper handover. I could go in on Friday and see how I cope. It's not that I don't want to work -I would really love to be able to go in. It's not like I'm home having fun -I'm just in pain.

I've booked a doctors appt for Thursday as my sick note runs out on Friday.

Is anyone else in this situation? I know that this pregnancy comes first for me but I am feeling so guilty. I hate that people might think im a fraud.

Glad you got signed off. And ignore the absence trigger.

Pregnancy is not classed as an illness so therefore sick leave related to ill cannot be used as part of your normal sick leave entitlement unless not related. So if you broke your ankle then yes it could. But anything related to pregnancy nope.

Anything else is direct discrimination under the equality act. Bunch of tossers.

Excuse my language but maternity rights is basic HR so no excuse

If you are signed off sick before 36 weeks does your employer have to keep you on full pay? I am writing this from an unexpected hospital bed at 30+6, eeek!!

Yes. You're on normal sick pay until 36 weeks.

Is that the law? I've got a funny feeling I've heard people say our employer doesn't pay sick pay, and people take time out of their annual leave. Is that legit?! Sounds dodgy to me but I've only worked there 2 years and not really come up against it yet.

Oh good I'm glad you got signed off. It must feel such a relief!

Looks like my last question is irrelevant (to me anyway) because I am 4cm dilated and staying til (unexpected) delivery, which they are going to try and put for as long as poss. Yes that is going to be as ouchy as it sound.