Dropping work duties whilst pregnant

[Gracebeau89]

Hi just looking for some advice, I’m currently 10 weeks pregnant with a high risk pregnancy. I work in a primary school they are aware I’m pregnant and have given me the duty of going swimming once a week. I don’t get into the water but I have to stand and watch for the lesson for 50 mins and dress a child after the lesson. Today I was extremely hot and felt very faint when I was monitoring the lesson (felt light headed a lot ) it took me a long time to cool down afterwards, I’m thinking about speaking to my boss about sending somebody else but I know I will be gossiped about! I would just like any thoughts please thank you

Is the issue the standing or is the swimming pool really hot as they generally are?

I'm a teacher too. Have you had your risk assessment with HR yet? If not, have one immediately and raise this. I coach sport at my school as part of my job and that was discussed and written about at my risk assessment. In honesty I personally would have been fine standing in a warm swimming pool in early pregnancy - it was the third trimester that I found hard and 50 mins standing would have been too long - but every pregnancy and pregnant woman is different. Plus you're high risk- make sure HR are aware of that and take evidence of that to your meeting. Good luck!

Thanks for replying yes the issue is the warmth I get dizzy and headrush in pregnancy anyway, but the warmth is making it worse. No I haven’t had a risk assessment yet I don’t think my workplace do them until 16week

They should do it earlier than that- basically as soon as you notify them formally that you are pregnant. If I were you I would get in touch with HR and request via email that you have a risk assessment done in the next week due to a) being high risk, and b) feeling unwell at the swimming pool. I would be extremely surprised if they ignored or refused that request!

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/health-and-safety-during-pregnancy-and-on-return-to-work/

Was reading this yesterday good advice here.

I take my son to swimming lessons and change him etc the heat is overcoming I feel for you! Per the above website you have to inform your employer in writing they are then expected to carry out a risk assessment. Good luck.

Thank you again, and I will ask tomorrow to speak to HR reguarding the risk assessment.will check the website out now