How bad do things need to get?

[Bubble04]

I know this sounds like whinging, but how bad do things need to be to go off sick during pregnancy? I'm only 26 weeks, so still 13 weeks till my leaving date. I work as a year 2 teacher, so on the lead up to sats, and don't want to let the kids down...
BUT
I've got hip pain, which is now spreading and is now right across the front of my pelvis too. Shooting pains down legs. Having to use crutches to get around. Can't sit down for more than 10 mins as my muscles seize up causing pain. I'm having to stay upright all day. I have 2 hours marking every night, but can only sit to mark for 10mins at a time so I'm falling behind as I have to do it in spurts. I've been working till past 11 every night this week. SLT have 'supported' by doing random book checks to make sure I'm up to standard with marking which is so stressful. They don't want me teaching PE so want me to teach 2 topic lessons in a row while another teacher does my pe. Great until you realise I now have to do marking for 2 classes as a result... I've spent every evening in tears from pain and exhaustion. I can't sleep because of pain and stress. How bad does my hip pain have to be before I say enough is enough? Since getting back after half term it's been getting worse so quickly. I know I'm pushing myself to breaking point but need to know at what point I stop soldiering on and accept defeat...
I just want to sleep

go straight back to your gp then and get properly signed off. gp probably would have been v happy to do this anyway
go back and explain what has happened. pain is worse and you need a proper sick note.
you cant fight stupid. dont try

The sick note actually says on it that if the employer cannot meet the required conditions then you are automatically unfit to work and therefore signed off.

But definitely get back to your gp.

It says here on the back

Thank you, that's really helpful. I think I need to start sticking up for myself... just keep worrying about getting a reference, but to be honest at the moment there are more important things x

I was signed off from 20 weeks - I hated it but there was no other option.

Sometimes you've got to give in. Go back to the GP and they will change the sick note.

(on a positive note, my pain pretty much disappeared straight after the birth, so cling to the knowledge that it won't last forever)

If you ask your GP they will just sign you off. I've been signed off from 25 weeks until I'm 28 weeks. My first day back the gp wants to meet to make a plan moving forward. He would have signed me off for longer but was worried the maternity leave automatically kicked in at 29 weeks, now I've had it confirmed it isn't until 36 weeks I will be requesting I'm signed off for longer which the GP will be more than happy to do. Good luck but in your situation I'd suggest getting signed off properly by your doctor and your employer will have to suck it up.

I think you're right. Even working till 12 I'm in agony and exhausted, and still have 2-3 hours marking to do. I'm stressed and my pain is getting worse far too quickly... I'll ring the Gp x

Phew OP! I'm so relieved you're getting properly signed off.

Despite the adjustments your employers don't get it. It's quite clear and they're trying to find a way to get you to do more and more, not less. A good employer would look at your capabilities and listen to them. As it was you were pushing yourself.

As for the reference, I'd like to see them try to give you a bad reference for being pregnant! Keep copies of your sick notes in case you need them in the future and write down all conversations now so that you won't be wondering in the future what was actually said. This is what I did and I put it all in a folder in case I needed it. I went through similar to you and resigned before going back as I was treated so badly. Sanity and wellbeing first - always.

Go to your midwife or GP explain it all and get signed off. My GP did this for me as I could barely walk on crutches etc with DC3. I then went on mat leave at 34 weeks. Could have been signed off until 36 then started Mat leave but my work had been great about it all I didn't want to mess them around with them filling my post whilst off ( I teach secondary).

Also you can ask for reasonable changes to be made I.e an exercise ball to sit on if that helps, ( mine moved all my lessons to the same room so I didn't have to move/ navigate full hall ways etc)

once I was off I was so much happier. I was so stressed, worrying about letting my classes down when realistically I wasn't do as good as job as normal as the pain was so distracting and draining.

Really, your health is more important both physical and mental. Get signed off.

Sorry just seen you are going to see the GP . Well done, honestly it will feel like weight has been lifted.