Working with chronic illnesses and pregnant.

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I'm 11 weeks today and I'm struggling a lot with work. I have Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia which are chronic pain illnesses causing pain all over, severe fatigue, dislocations plus many other issues. Now on top of that I have the added exhaustion of being preganant, luckily have no had any sickness but I am SO exhausted that sometimes I can't think straight, I struggle so much to wake up to go to work in the mornings and my pain is awful (especially back ache). I work in retail so am on my feet all day, serving people, have to deal with angry customers at times, some lifting too.

My manager/work doesn't know I'm pregnant yet. I have had a couple of sick days since becoming pregnant but have just had to lie and say I had the flu. I don't know what to do, I know this is going to get worse the further along I am.

Im 15 weeks pregnant. I have scoliosis and most of my time I’m in agony with my back. I’ve had about 3 weeks off sick from work. Because of this I told my manager I was pregnant straight away with anticipation of my sickness levels going up. I’m glad I told her because there’s nothing really she can do with me been sick whilst been pregnant they have to be flexible and understanding - more understanding than when I was sick off work and not pregnant.

I have POTS and I'm 18 weeks pregnant so I completely get the fatigue!
If you feel you're able to I would honestly tell your employer, you're protected for any pregnancy related absences and also they may be able to adjust your duties to help ease your pain.
I've been pregnant twice since being diagnosed with POTS and I told my line manager both time around 5/6weeks as I needed her support, unfortunately I lost the first but she was incredibly supportive so I was glad I told her! Hopefully your workplace will be kind too.
All the best with your pregnancy ☺️

I know most people like to keep it quiet for as long as possible but in your case I think it would be wise to let them now to protect yourself if you need more pregnancy related sick time. Also so they can make any necessary adjustments. Could you alter or reduce your hours at all?

Have a look at this information which may help with your symptoms.

www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/a-midwifes-guide-to-pregnancy-birth-feeding-and-eds/

Once you’ve had your 12 week scan I’d tell your employer that you’re pregnant tell them about the problems that you’re experiencing at work. They may decide to carry out a risk assessment and adjust your duties. It is worth noting though that it isn’t a legal obligation for them to complete a risk assessment once you confirm that you’re pregnant, you are however entitled to more rest breaks which may help your fatigue.

www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/faqs.htm

If your employer won’t adjust your duties based on your pregnancy you could go down the equality route and ask for reasonable adjustments to be made as you’ve got a disability and are protected under the equality act

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination/duty-to-make-reasonable-adjustments-for-disabled-people/

This link talks about your pregnancy rights and talks about sick pay ect

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/rights-while-youre-pregnant-at-work/

@LivingForSummer how are you now pots wise? How did you cope having a baby with pots? Xx