Feeling unwell

[CathyandHeathcliff]

So I feel really anxious tonight, I’m not well at all, I have a really sore throat (feels like I’m swallowing razors) and my ears are hurting.
I took a day off work last week due to my ankles swelling up and my blood pressure being moderately high (I’m 25 weeks) and I’ve had a lot of sick days in the past year. So I’m really worried I’ll get into trouble for having another day off tomorrow. The way I feel though, I can’t see myself being able to go in...however I really can’t afford to lose my job. Not while I’m pregnant anyway.

I'm sure they can't fire you for being unwell when you're pregnant.

I’m also sure that sick days while pregnant cannot go towards any disciplinary action. They basically can’t be considered the same as a sick day when not pregnant.

If you are based in the UK, take a look at this site www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

Basically they have to record pregnancy realated sickness separately from your previous sickness and it can’t be used to your disadvantage.

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for those links and comments. The only thing is, this is not really pregnancy related, it’s a bad sore throat and cold 😔
However my others were related. I just hope they play by the rules, as they are yet to do a risk assessment!

Employers tend to tread softly where pregnancy and sickness are concerned. Obvs not always the case but generally speaking.

You can self certify for the first week and don’t have to go into detail about what you’re off with until you return to work. If it’s going to be over that, I think it depends on how flexible your GP is.

Although it’s a cold and sore throat the pregnancy has lowered your immune system. Also you can’t take the medicine to reduce the symptoms that you would have if you weren’t pregnant.

Your employer should do a risk assessment once you have informed them in writing of your pregnancy. As you’re 25 weeks I expect your MATB1 form has been handed in and they should have acted on it. I would push for the risk assessment when you go back too.

If you have a union rep it may be worth speaking to them if you feel like your boss is going to be difficult or ignore the rules. If not, ACAS provide free workplace advice and can give you some guidance on what to do specific to your circumstances.

It's related in that if you weren't pregnant you could take all the cold and flu remedies under the sun and carry on, but as it is can't take anything because you're pregnant.