Doing too much

[OlderMumToBe2018]

Hello all, hope you're keeping well? I'm 16+4 now and feeling grand. Well, I was, until today. Did a bit too much at work and my back is howling now.

Have been keeping pregnancy quiet, and it's been OK because I'm mostly office based and not out on active support shifts. But there was absence this morning, and I had to go to a double up in the morning to assist personal care. She's a heavy lady and I've hurt my back.

Really wanted to get to 20 weeks before telling work :(

Anyone else still not told work? How are you managing?

You really should tell work if (as it sounds) your job can involve manual lifting. You need a proper risk assessment - it may not be safe for you/baby and your employer's insurance may not cover the situation. Do tell them so you can be properly protected. I hope you feel better soon.

You're right Piglet, RA are my job, but obviously can't do one for myself. There's been a baby boom, and I just can't face telling them, as I'll be the 5th in a few weeks...!

I held off telling work until 18 weeks, and still didn't want to even then, but looking back I probably should have done it earlier. Risk assessment kicked in and lots of changes were made to my hours and duties. Particularly as you do manual handling, you really need to tell them. It's not your fault there's been a number of announcements all at once! You need to look after number one