Off again :-(

[Cohyn92]

So, been to the docs this morning as I've had crippling back pain for a few days and it actually made me sick this morning. He's sent off a urine test to the labs to rule out kidney infection and I have to go back tomorrow for blood tests.
Anyway, because I've felt so bloody poorly with it all and haven't slept a wink, I'm off work.. Again. I'd say in total I've had about 4 weeks off since start of pregnancy (I'm 23 weeks now) as I had hyperemesis gravidarum in first 10/12 weeks. So the problem now is that I'm worried sick work will think I'm taking the mick out of them. I'll be completely honest- I'm not even sure I will go back to that job when I return to work after pregnancy but regardless I really don't want to be seen in a bad light.

Has anyone else had much time off work during their pregnancy?

Yes. I was signed off for two weeks in my first trimester and the doctor would have continued to sign me off as my PGP kicked in in my second trimester and caused me extreme pain when walking. I would try and negotiate with your employer if you can. Are you able to do work from home? Or reduce the hours you work per week?

I wouldn't worry about taking time off sick, your health and baby's health during pregnancy come first. I also wouldn't worry about whether you intend to go back after the pregnancy or not, that's none of their business.

I hope you get better soon.

I've had 8 weeks due to hyperemesis. I couldn't imagine having this much time off work, but I really really needed it. Decided not to let it bother me too much. Not much you can do about it really.

Thanks both. My line manager is so lovely and so caring so it's not her I tend to worry about as I believe she is genuine. I just worry HR will get involved but I am super anxious and am probably worrying over nothing- I'm told often that you are massively protected during pregnancy.

I was off from two months in early pregnancy due to HG sickness. Then off for another two months with SPD and low blood pressure.

I was at work for less than half my pregnancy due to various issues and complications. I felt horribly guilty but my health and the babies health came first

You are completely right Thephoenixbird, nothing is more important than my precious little boy. Although, I will say at the minute he seems happy as larry kicking away and it's mummy that is in pain- not that I'm complaining at ALL- I don't mind a bit as long as he is okay and content.
Thanks for reassuring me that I'm not the only lady who has had to take some sick leave during a tough pregnancy

I had a week off at 15 weeks due to bladder problems caused by pregnancy, then I was signed off for two weeks at 25 weeks with cervix issues, then made to go back to work for half days only for two weeks, then signed off at 32 weeks for the remainder of my pregnancy. Pregnancy is unpredictable, don't feel bad, you know yourself that you're not taking the Mick and if anyone thinks otherwise leave them to it. It's not a walk in the park for everyone, hope you feel better soon.

Also they can't hold pregnancy related sickness over you, it's not counted like a normal absence. If HR get involved then it should be to assess and ensure that you're not coming back before you should, and look at any changes they need to make to help you if it's a recurring thing

Thanks Annlee3817. You're right, I should stop beating myself up over being off for genuine reasons. I've always been a real worrier and pregnancy just makes me even worse.
Thanks for the reassuring words x

I’ve been off for four weeks so far with sickness. I’m only 11 weeks. Last pregnancy had time off for sickness (less than this though), and then got whooping cough in third trimester!! I’ve been feeling guilty but if you’re ill, you’re ill and you need to look after yourself and baby. My manager has been really good about it too thankfully. Like others have said, as I understand it, you’re very well protected with pregnancy related illness and time off. I don’t think they can do anything.