Always unwell and don't know what to do!

[Charliebob1337]

I'm 12 and a half weeks pregnant and it's been a long 6 weeks..
It started with a stomach bug and diarrhea.
Followed by the start of a very lengthy 3 weeks of the most horrendous flu I've ever experienced.
Last week I was told I had an upper respiratory infection and needed to be on bed rest.
And now I possibly have strep throat, my entire throat is red raw and I feel like death.
Even though I am overcoming these things after time, I am then catching something new and all the doctor says is to rest.
My biggest worry other than the baby's wellbeing is work.
I have been signed off for 4 weeks so far because I have been so poorly, and waiting to go back again today because my throat is in tatters.
What do I do? Work will sack me but I work with other people in a confined environment and sometimes even poorly people, I too rely on my voice for my job as I am constantly answering the phones or on reception.
My boss hasn't spoken to me, I keep sending her texts and she ignores me.
Has anyone else been off with similar to this, what did you do?
Even though it's not "pregnancy related" my pregnancy has caused my immune system to weaken surely?
Any help would be appreciated :-)

Hi Charliebob, I completely understand your pain! You seem to be having a really rough time at the moment. :(
My experience is not as bad as yours (so far), but I did have a cold that turned into bronchitis for about a month now. I was on antibiotics all of last week and had to call in sick on Thursday and Friday. The GP at work told me that our immune system gets weaker when we’re pregnant as otherwise the body would attack the embryo for considering it a ‘parasite’ (I know, shocking!).
In terms of your rights, in this country you can self-certificate for the 1st week of sickness and if you need longer than that then you need a GP note (this isn’t just for pregnancy related sickness, but sickness in general). As you have been signed off by your GP, your boss just needs to deal with it. You’re legally protected and if they fired you that would be unfair dismissal.
You’re going through a rough time and you shouldn’t be worried about work, just focus on trying to get your strength back and look after yourself and your little one! Take care xxx

Please don't worry I was in exactly the same position as you and was signed off for 6 weeks due to picking up illness after Illness. I was worried about work however when I spoke to the hr department they said not to worry as any sickness would be classed as pregnancy related, due to the fact your immune system is lower and when pregnant you can't take things that people who aren't can. Also symptoms are a lot different and more intense for someone carrying a baby. I called acas and checked this who said the same. And if a company sacked you for a pregnancy related illness god help them!!!

I hope you feel better soon, it's really awful being that ill when pregnant, but it will get better.... maybe not so soon! Lol but it will xxxxxxx