Sick and tired. How will I cope at work?

[Twirlz]

I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been suffering from non-stop sickness and tiredness. I also have an under active thyroid which makes me very tired as well. I am a primary school teacher and have had to take a couple of days of work. I am really worried that I am not going to be able to cope with being at school because it is such a physically and mentally demanding job - I am on my feet all day. Does anyone have any advice for how I can cope with all of this? Thank you in advance from a ridiculously emotional mum to be.

I was in exactly the same situation as you- primary school teacher, terrible all day sickness. At about 8 weeks I was signed off for a week, and then spent the next few weeks going home early/coming in slightly later/having the odd day at home when I felt really terrible. I normally have a maximum of 1-2 days off per year (if that!) so it was a horrible time and I felt like I was the worst teacher in the world. BUT you must get plenty of rest, it won't last forever (mine disappeared at 16 weeks) and it's simply a job that you cannot do if you're feeling terrible all the time. However, it did get to a point when my class got really used to me popping out every now and then to throw up, and I kinda got used to it too! Please don't be too hard on yourself and stay at home of you need to. My boss has been amazing and understanding, hope yours is too. Hope you feel better soon! x

Sorry to hear you're feeling terrible! My sickness and wiped-outness disappeared at about 13 weeks and currently finding 2nd trimester a whole lot easier (mentally and physically) than the first. I'm expecting 3rd trimester to be a lot more difficult but if I'm right you shouldn't have to work through much of the 3rd due to school holidays? Well timed! I found telling my boss (at 7 weeks) took a big weight off my mind too and he was a great help with practical things. I'm also on my feet all day and find that Doc Martens help A LOT. Just try and take your time (my colleagues have become used to me being that little bit slower moving about) and take care of yourself. Hope things get better for you soon, but sneakily nibbling on my well hidden stash of breadsticks as soon as I felt a bit hungry also helped with the sickness.

Hi there, another primary school teacher here. I was the same until 13 weeks and then the sickness went away and the tiredness reduced. At 23 weeks I am trying to leave work fairly early and then napping for an hour when I get home. I feel much better this trimester. Not sure how i will feel towards the end of trimester 3!

You should see your GP as they can give you anti sickness meds this helped me get back to work (not a teacher) but I'm still nauseous & sick at 28 weeks