Don’t know whether to stay off sick

[Bienentrinkwasser]

I’m 11 weeks pregnant and currently off sick with hyperemesis. I had two weeks off between 7 and 9 weeks when I was very unwell and couldn’t do anything at all or keep anything down, went back for two days during my 10th week, once my medication was a bit more effective, and really struggled; so here I am again.

I do feel like things are improving a bit so maybe I should try to go back next week? But equally I am exhausted all the time (think it’s a side effect of the ondansetron) and often need a nap in the day. I’m still being sick a few times in the day and have constant nausea. I’m not sure I actually have the mental acuity to do my job (nhs frontline).

The problem is, I feel so guilty for being at home sitting in my garden, going for short walks, outwardly having a lovely time, when the shit is hitting the fan for everyone else. Maybe I should try again next week?

You can't do your job effectively if you need a nap half way through the day.
Listen to your body. Go back when you're 100% that's when you're going to be the most useful.

I suffered with hyoeremesis and my situation meant even though I would have slightly better moments I wasn't fit for work until 22 weeks.
And even then I was regularly sick at work.
In your situation, I'd remain off sick, citing the hyoeremesis as there's the added risk of covid.

If you're NHS frontline staff then surely you shouldn't be at work anyway as women who are pregnant are in the high risk group?

Have you discussed the situation with your line manager? Hyperemesis is miserable, you're far better off at home!

Sounds like you aren’t well enough to work still.

It sounds like you aren't well enough to go to work yet. Don't push yourself, and don't feel guilty. Rest and make sure you put yourself first

I had hyperemesis too and am also frontline NHS staff. My first trimester was prior to COVID, but still felt the guilt of not going in and kept turning up, vomiting 5 times and being told I’m ridiculous and sent home again! Vomiting aside, the fatigue made me absolutely useless - I could not safely do my job.

Don’t work until you are fit and safe to do so. It’s better to stay off so your team can prepare for your absence, rather than keep turning up and either be useless or have to go home sick, leaving the team in the lurch.

My hyperemesis disappeared at 16 weeks thank god! Hope it doesn’t last much longer for you!

I'm 31 weeks pregnant and have been off work since 6 weeks! I had severe sickness from 6 weeks until 18 weeks, I then became aneamic so was exhausted and feeling very faint! I then started to struggle badly with anxiety about being at work and then this whole coronavirus situation started which meant I couldn't go to work anyway! I'm not on maternity leave early.

Listen to your body, take as much time as needed! You need to look after you and baby. Don't feel guilty, you are working very hard growing this baby.

Now on maternity leave early