overwhelmed with everything

[elpreggo27]

I'm nearly 18 weeks preggo. Been signed off work for a while now due to bad pregnancy sickness. Symptoms are showing no signs of improving, and I also keep getting horrible bile burps and can't stop sneezing just to add to EVERYTHING else I'm experiencing symptom-wise. I have just received an email from work saying I'm now on half-sick pay, I know I am fortunate in that I can receive sick pay but on half pay I will barely make my bills and I am trying to save money for the baby as partner and I don't earn a lot, but I know if I rush back to work I will make myself more unwell and its not good for LO. Has anyone else been in a similar situation that has just made you feel super pants :(

Sorry that you’re feeling so rubbish I’ve not been in a similar situation, though I’m 11 weeks pregnant and considered asking to be signed off this week due to feeling awful (decided to try and battle through instead). Despite my choice, you have to do what’s right for you and your baby. If you’re not well enough to work, then don’t go in. You’ll find a way to cope financially, even if it means not being able to save and tightening your belts for a few weeks/months. Hope you feel better soon.

In the uk, pregnancy sickness isn't treated the same as normal sickness. Essentially the question needs to be: if I weren't pregnant, would I be absent? It the answer is: I'd be in, then I'm pretty sure it's like you are there for pay and all other intents and purposes...

Are you a member of a union? Contact them? Or perhaps consult your gp and/ or cab?

thanks Kate, I am a member of a union but my understanding is that pregnancy sick pay can still run out hence it being tapered down?

Pregnancy sick pay can still run out. Sorry you're so unwell OP. What's your maternity pay like? Be mindful of when your qualifying weeks are because being on lower pay will affect your maternity pay too.

I was signed off for almost all of both my pregnancies due to hyperemesis. It’s awful and I’m sending you a virtual hug because pregnancy sickness is the pits.

I was lucky in that I was on six months full/six months half pay. I managed to stagger in with DD1 for a couple of weeks at around 18 weeks and went sick again so never triggered the half pay. With DD2 I was due to trigger it and my very kind line manager set up a “back to work meeting” where I came in for half an hour and with HR we explained why I couldn’t do my role. They counted that as me “coming back” (vomiting into a bag for life throughout) and then the next day I went sick again so it was a whole new six month cycle. Could something like that be arranged? If not do you think you could be more cynical and get in for a few days to restart the absence period?

Thinking of you, mate. It’s absolutely dire. I would love a third baby but just can’t face the pregnancy.

thanks everyone