Stressing about time off work

[Girlwiththearabstrap]

Just what the title says really. I know it can't be helped but I'm getting really worried about the time off.

I had a day off in December for a heavy bleed. Plus two days recently for back pain. But the issue is the number of appointments I have. I've got the usual midwife ones plus I'm under consultant led care so I have growth scans and consultant appts every 3 weeks now. Also because I had pre eclampsia in my last pregnancy I now have to get my blood pressure checked weekly. I just feel so guilty about the time off and worried that work think I'm slacking. I'm a teacher so whilst the time off is only an hour/half day here and there, my absence is really noticeable. I do try and make appts for when I'm free but obviously scans and hospital appointments are less flexible.

Do not feel guilty!!! You should be enjoying it! Your entitled to time of for appointments and also any sickness you have is not classed as normal sick so don't worry about that either. Think about you and your baby don't ever worry about work xx

Your baby needs you to go to these appointments so did anyone else!

Plus there's a reason maternity appointments/absences are protected: it's because society needs the next generation. So your work can just cope like every other employee of someone with a high risk pregnancy.

I have even more frequent appointments than you and my DH comes to all scans and I don't feel bad for either employer.

Thanks both. I know you're right really and it's just tough luck when the appointments fall. I actually came in to teach 2 classes this afternoon and my back is in agony again afterwards so I clearly did need the time earlier.

You need to prioritise your own needs at this point - it is important. A good school will understand, and not put pressure on you. A good dept will rally round - and you will, no doubt, have opportunities to pay any goodwill forward in the future.

I'm also a teacher and have had 6 weeks off with hyperemesis. I feel terribly guilty and I don't see how I can go back but I feel I have to.

As teachers, we put our students above all else but as pp said, your baby needs to go to these appointments and needs you well enough to look after them when they arrive.

Don’t feel guilty! You and your baby are more important than anything right now. You wouldn’t be having these appointments if you didn’t need them, it’s not slacking off and it’s not your choice. Women have fought for your right to healthcare and time off for maternity appointments.

What's more important your health and your baby or work?

You don't need to answer this question, we all know the answer and remember that and keep it in your head.

These are appointments not only for you, but for your baby. Your baby cannot make a choice about its care, therefore you must make that choice on baby's behalf. That baby has gotta come first! You are so protected under UK law. Do you think your work place want to be held responsible for you missing a vital appointment? Time to start putting yourself and your peanut first. Congrats and all the best

That’s a great way to look at it. This isn’t for you, it’s for your baby.