Taking time off work

[Kimberley2203]

Hi all,

I'm really worried about having time off work and being penalised for It! I'm 8 weeks pregnant and exhausted, I am having real trouble sleeping I've tried all the tips & tricks but nothing seems to work with me i can handle the nausea but not the lack of zzz

I am a nurse i work 12.5 hour days in a very busy department were we often miss breaks so no chance of naps or taking it easy, my boss doesn't know I'm pregnant I was waiting for my scan to tell them but I don't think I can safely work I don't want to put me my babe or my patients at risk!

I had time off last year signed off by my go and was made to feel guilty and penalised for it I'm worried this will happen again or be made to feel like the silly pregnant girl!

Any help suggestions or words would be fab

A very sleepy Kim xx

You can't be penalised for time off work whilst pregnant. Just tell them and they can make adjustments if you feel like you aren't coping. I should imagine as a nurse there are lots of possible risky situations which they will need to keep you away from. Tell them and get some rest :)

I assume you haven't yet told work about being pregnant? I would do this because it will change things for you, you can't be penalised for time off if you're pregnant.
They also have to do a pregnancy risk assessment so they need to make reasonable changes for you going back to work if you're struggling

I understand that you might be worried about telling work before the 12 week scan, but if I were you I would. Not only do you get protected by the law then, but most employers are well aware that you're protected. If your boss is the type to penalise sick leave then maybe they'll be discouraged from that by the fact that you could very easily call them out on it.

I told my line manager informally at 7-8 weeks as my job involves potentially harmful exposures. I wasn't given a risk assessment but I was removed from any harmful activity. They were also much more sympathetic when I came to work late on the odd occasion because of nausea, and when I had to take a couple of days off sick.

I struggled with fatigue and my hours were only 9-5 so I don't know how you're coping with 12.5 hour shifts. I know how hard nurses work and I think you should inform your employer, who will risk assess you and maybe reduce your hours.

Hi all,

Thank You for your words, I didn't go to.work today as I had 2hpurs sleep and didn't feel.id be able too I called my boss in the afternoon and explained she gave me the third degree asking why I hadn't done this and that I felt like crying :( i am working half a shift tomorrow which is better then 12.5 hours but just feel deflated. We will see how tonight goes fingers crossed

Xx

You need to tell work so they can make reasonable adjustments - if you don't tell them you cannot expect them to be happy when you don't come to work because you're tired.

I work in NHS and they have a really amazing policy for pregnant women. You cannot be penalised, they cannot use pregnancy related illnesses to count towards Bradford factor. If your manager is behaving in a way which is making you feel guilty etc then ensure you inform HR and your union. Get an occupational health referral and get signed off by your GP.

Thank you this is really helpful my boss boss is off on annual leave this week so will talk to her Monday

X