Any pregnancy ladies on here who are having to go into work through Corona?

[AutumnBabyWinterMummy]

Hi Everyone

I know on Sunday the situation might change for a lot of people following Boris' announcement and there may be more people returning to work.

But as of now is anybody pregnant but having to work in their workplace and not at home?

I'm an employed nanny working for one family. I had been furloughed for the nearly last 7 weeks but I received a call from my employer a few days ago saying guidance has changed and nannies can return (I've seen the guidance and they are correct and also checked the guidance for pregnant women and also ok for me to return). But I can't help but feel pretty terrified to be back in the big wide world after being isolated for all this time, this is only because I'm pregnant and worried for baby otherwise I wouldn't mind.

It would be nice to know I'm not the only one out there. (I know I'm not but every pregnant woman I know personally are working from home and will continue to for quite some time.) xx

Yes me , I've been furloughed since March & my employer has said I'll be returning to work next month.

I am very nervous about it - I think more because I haven't really left the house since 23rd March I'm sure when I'm actually back at work it will be fine.

@locksmithg If you don't mind me asking what kind of work environment will it be for you?

How many weeks are you? I'm 17 and baby due in Oct.

I didn't expect to not have to work until the baby is born but it all just came as a bit of a shock getting the call earlier on in the week! X

@AutumnBabyWinterMummy I'm a Business Manager in retail , and work with 200 employees and customers - been told PPE will be worn all day.

I'm 15 weeks pregnant and due in November , when I spoke to my midwife she said all we can do is wait until further announcement from the government.

My friend is a teacher and she's been told to self isolate until the 12th of June I can't seem to find where it states that.

Such a nervous time, looking at my hospitals update every day on social media as it keeps changing x

I’m a nurse in a patient facing role, I have been off since the announcement back in March too. I have taken leave and also been signed off by gp but am due to return shortly and very unsure what to do. I do not have the option to be non patient facing and will not be able to socially distance in my role. I am concerned about returning however I have had a risk assessment supporting it is safe for me to do so as I’m under 28weeks gestation. I don’t want to be unreasonable in staying off however most importantly I do not want to put my pregnancy at risk. The general advice seems to be pregnant women are not at any increased risk before 28weeks however I have read a couple of articles that contradict this. The advice also remains that pregnant woman should stringently social distance which I assume you won’t be able to do as a nanny? Sorry I’m not much help but in a similar position!

@locksmithg Maybe the 12th June is from do you remember when pregnant women were put on the vulnerable list at the beginning and were told to isolate for 12 weeks? I think things have changed since then.

I think I will speak with my midwife too I didn't even think to.

@RoseABC how far on are you? Yes we are in similar sort of positions in terms of getting close to people, but I suppose how else are we expected to do our jobs!! I look after one baby and the other two children are old enough that I don't have to get too close to them.

But all just so scary as we are in the "vulnerable" group but not enough to be shielded.

Do you know the reasons we are more at risk from 28 weeks? I had a look and just said our immune system is lower but I wasn't sure if that's the only reason.

X

@AutumnBabyWinterMummy Sorry to gatecrash - Could you post a link to that guidance saying pregnant women should return? I've been told I can return from WFH as per current guidance but I am a teacher and DfE guidance still says no, as does my union. Could you let me know where it says otherwise?

@AutumnBabyWinterMummy I think it was the 15th of March , so I'm guessing soon they will make some further announcement for vulnerable x

I’m going to be in a similar predicament at some point. I’m self employed and currently not receiving any financial help so I’m desperate to return but I can’t socially distance.
I’m going to wear ppe. I’m nervous for what happens when I’m 28 weeks as my business wouldn’t survive me taking from 28 weeks off until baby is born and 3 month maternity leave. 28 weeks for me is some time away though so it could have changed.
So sorry, I’ve got no advice. Just a whinge.

@EithneBlue Hi, it's not saying we should return it's saying work from home where possible but in my role I can't work from home which is where I referred to the gov guidance on nannies where it says we can now go back to work (this came out a few days ago so correct even if still in lockdown).

So if you can work from home I would fight your corner on that as it is still guidelines x

I’m 23weeks. I believe the increased risk after 28weeks is due to a weakened immune system in 3rd trimester and increased respiratory compromise due to reduced lung capacity as a result of the baby being larger. I have been stringently social distancing and avoiding any risks for last 8 weeks so the thought of returning to work where I won’t be able to take the recommended measures is terrifying but I am considering it. Hopefully we’ll get some more clarity following the announcement tomorrow.

@Lavenderpurple Anyone who's in the boat we are in I feel for. I know we can't do anything about it but knowing we are not alone going through this helps.

Also I feel bad making this thread when I'm sure there's been loads of pregnant women who have had to work throughout the whole time from their workplace x

@AutumnBabyWinterMummy I have been working as normal and I get more and more anxious each day. I am a support worker for adults with learning disabilities so social distancing just does not happen. My biggest worry is now they are starting to open more shops, all the staff will be doing a lot of travelling and going to each place on their time off but will end up bringing whatever they catch into work with a room full of vulnerable adults with weaker immune systems. I'm very nervous I am going to catch something and it will affect the health of baby. They did do a long risk assessment when I first told them I was pregnant but it didn't include any mention of Covid-19 🧐

@locksmithg I'm hoping Sunday will shed some more light for us but I have a feeling it won't be the news we are wanting and will just mean we still have to return!

@RoseABC I’m a nurse too and totally understand you’re worried. I’m currently wfh (mental health nurse) but am concerned that come next week I’ll be asked to go back into the office. It does say on the RCOG guidance (sorry I’m sure that you have read it!) that prior to 28 weeks a woman’s choice should be respected. Are their any aspects to your role you can do at home? I think there has been a very blasé attitude to 1st/2nd trimester overall. Although vertical transmission seems unlikely there are a few reports, as you said, about 2nd trimester miscarriage etc. Good luck for next week!

Sorry and OP! It’s such a worrying and frustrating situation x

@RoseABC oh thanks for filling me in, I wasn't sure about the 28 weeks thing. I actually thought for a long time how 1st and 2nd trimester must be more at risk due to baby not being as robust etc so I never understood.

@Amytitch I can totally understand your worries, it's not a role you can distance yourself. I'm the same as you I will be very worried to go back x

I’m 20 weeks and have been working the whole time in a healthcare role but not frontline, although lots of mixing with others and travelling as essential COVID response role. It’s been fine, I’m sensible and hand wash etc but no PPE out in public. I think when you have been home for a long time it can make going back out seem terrifying, however life is carrying on and although this can be a serious disease for a portion of the population, for most it will be fine x

Im 12 weeks, I've been working in a supermarket as a part time temp. I lost my job at the start of all of this due to being inbetween jobs and was desperate for money with the baby on the way. The further along im getting in this pregnancy the more nervous I'm getting about the whole coronavirus situation. I have a full time job at a hotel lined up for when they are allowed open and as much as I want to go back full time so my finances don't spiral anymore into debt, I worry for my safety being front of house on the reception desk at a busy high street hotel!

@Tentontessie it's reassuring to hear that you've been ok, I really wouldn't be worrying if it was just me not being pregnant going back to work but just don't know the full effect on baby that worries me.

@EBM20 I think if you've felt ok at the supermarket the new job should be similar in terms of contact with people!

I knew there were other pregnant workers out there I just didn't know of any so this is all making me feel so much better feeling we are in this together!

I’m only 8 weeks but still working as a doctor. I work in a lab so no patient contact but I do go into a big hospital every day. I wouldn’t change anything. Hope things have calmed down by the time I hit 28 wks but will push hard to continue working as normal up to my due date.

I’ve read the College guidelines and I don’t feel particularly concerned. I was pregnant during the swine flu outbreak and was much more frightened then.

As a nanny to a single family you aren’t hugely increasing your social circle if that makes you feel any better. Hope it all goes well.

@Moo678 Knowing you're ok with it and you're a doctor so must understand it all a bit more than me makes me feel better so thank you. I'll just be as careful as I can, lots of hand washing x

I’ve been on furlough for 7 weeks and I’m a retail manager with between 40-80 staff in a busy flagship store . I’m 13 weeks pregnant and have no idea when I’ll be back , although my guess is end of June .

I’m not overly worried although I’m definitely cautious. I haven’t even told work yet I’m pregnant.

I’m just waiting to see what the government says . I’m hoping to work until I’m full term as I like my job and I need money , but I won’t be taking any risks.