Working in the first trimester

[jenny7722]

Hi all,

I just wanted to get some advice and start a conversation about how hard it can be having to work through the first trimester.

I've been really struggling with sickness, nausea, severe headaches, tiredness and much more! Yet I have to come to work every day and suffer in silence because I can't tell anyone yet.

My boss knows which makes it easier but everyone else in the office is already suspicious that I'm pregnant I don't want to let on too much that I'm not feeling good as they will definitely know then.

Does anyone else feel as though they're just dragging themselves around trying to get through the days one at a time? And how much time do people take off work sick during early pregnancy?

Any advice or shared experiences would be great :) xx

You can tell people if you want to. If that would make your life easier, then do it.

I've ended up telling more people than I intended so early on as I've been in such a state with constant sickness that I have needed the help. I have only shared with people that are really close to me and my boss who needed to make arrangements for cover until I can get back to work. Most people in my work have guessed due to my days of running out of meetings but most had enough tact not to mention anything although rumours are swirling apparently! .I've been put on meds and still can't function well enough to get to work. I'm on my third week of absence and have a letter for another week if needs be. I was definitely apprehensive about having so much time off but there's no way I can perform at work in my current state and have to accept it's just one of those things and it's out of my control. I hope your ms eases soon, you are doing well to be sticking it out.I managed three days during week 8 and not been back since!

I really struggled, the night shifts in particular were hard and I was worried people would just think I was lazy because I wasn’t getting as much done as I would normally. It got much better after the first trimester though - my energy levels were back to normal from about 14 weeks onwards.

I’m just starting to struggle again for the last few weeks (30 weeks now) but the difference is that everyone knows and understands and the finish line is now in sight!

I felt like this. Work was an absolute chore. I managed to keep quiet until 16 weeks though, I weren't ready to tell before then.

I've told those who work in my office, there's no hiding it I've been late for work a few times because I'm throwing up in the morning. My boss knows too and I feel so much better for it, I felt like I was sneaking around beforehand. I feel bloody dreadful in work and I'm hoping the second trimester is better! I'm only 7 weeks and scared it's only going to get worse

Does anyone else feel as though they're just dragging themselves around trying to get through the days one at a time? Yes to this! I work from home and that helps me hide the near-constant nausea, need to eat every hour, and general dog-tiredness from colleagues to a reasonable-ish extent. I've no idea how you are all managing to leave the house, am in awe! I feel like I am doing the bare minimum of work and feeling very guilty for it. Today has been better (10+3) hoping it's the start of a new phase.... 🤞 If you need it, I would take some time off sick, my understanding is that Pg related sickness is not charted the same as other absence, tho you perhaps need GP letter to confirm it?

I had to tell my boss really early because I had hyperemisis. I think it started around week six and after that I was signed off for about two months. My work was nothing but supportive, they kept in touch and I didn't feel any pressure to return until I was over the worst. I think people are generally more understanding than you might think.

I told my boss on the Monday after finding out on the Wednesday (work had been closed because of the snow) I was throwing up constantly- and being a teacher I had to make them aware that I needed to dart out the classroom! The worst part for me was the last exhaustion. I used to be ready for bed when the kids left!