Telling work I don't want to travel

[Nic165]

I have been asked to travel (short haul flight) with work in the next few weeks. I will be 13 weeks by then but have not told my manager yet that I am pregnant. I plan to tell her next week. But I am also anxious about flying due to previous miscarriage after a flight (I know this is probably irrational but I now link flying to miscarriage and would never forgive myself if something happened after I travel, even though it most likely won't have been caused by flying). Do you think it is acceptable to tell my manager I would prefer not to fly now? There is no other transport I can take (different country).

I think you should tell your manager ASAP and explain what you have told us here. I cannot imagine anybody not being understanding. Good luck and sorry for your loss xx

Thank you. I know I need to tell her, I keep putting it off as it's that time of year when everyone's bonus/yearly rating gets discussed and I'm so afraid it will put me at a disadvantage if I say I'm pregnant and then also say I would prefer not to travel 😣

My work were utterly horrible when I said I didn't want to fly whilst pregnant. They kept forcing the situation so I got a doctors note. It's was a really stressful time.

Oh I totally understand that @Nic165 what a stressful time. Could you speak to HR for advice P&C?

Yeh I could do that. Might give me a bit of reassurance. I suppose there will never be a good time to say so I may as well do it as soon as I can!

Definitely speak to your manager ASAP and tell them your concerns - whether it's a valid worry or not is irrelevant. If you are worried then it is valid and you shouldn't do it.

Should it help at all I have been flying an average of every other week (but only 40 min flights) since I was very first pregnant through to my last flight which was last week and I'm now 28 weeks.

That being said you being anxious can't be good for anyone - you or the baby so don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with x

@Brianna83 thank you. I know it is totally irrational and when I'm being logical about it, I know flying is safe. I just can't stop linking it to my mc, I suppose it's was the only thing I could link it to, to give a reason why it might have happened. I will definitely speak to my manager on Monday and explain

@Nic165 - whether it's rational or not is irrelevant. You wouldn't feel comfortable and you'd be so stressed and anxious about it that that would be bad for both you and the baby! Hopefully your manager will be understanding. Good luck!

I manage a number of people who need to fly regularly to do their jobs. In your position I would, without hesitation, agree you didn’t have to go.

@BlueLadybird I hope my manager is as understanding as you are :) thank you, does give me reassurance

How did you get on @Nic165