Benefits while pregnant.

[emily97Xx]

Hi, I’m currently about to reach my 20 week mark in my pregnancy and I have been on sick leave from work since the beginning of the virus with anxiety and happened to fall pregnant during this time.

Being pregnant just gives me more anxiety about going back to work especially since the virus is starting to spike again. I’m unsure if I leave my job will I be able to claim benefits or will I have some kind of sanction? I have spoken to citizens advice and they were no help! Hoping someone has been or is in the same situation as me to give me some advice. Thank you!

@emily97Xx
What sets off the anxiety?
Maybe your doctor can recommend consultation for the anxiety, as it's surely going to get worse if left.
What are you doing at the moment to try and ease the anxiety? Like reading self help books, or online seminars on anxiety? X

[quote cat709]@emily97Xx
What sets off the anxiety?
Maybe your doctor can recommend consultation for the anxiety, as it's surely going to get worse if left.
What are you doing at the moment to try and ease the anxiety? Like reading self help books, or online seminars on anxiety? X[/quote]
I was taking Steraline before I got pregnant and was taken off it by my GP once I found out. I finished a course of CBT and they concluded I needed more help and I am on waiting list for more support but since the virus is raising again I doubt that will be any time soon. As for what triggers it it mostly social anxiety I hate leaving my house and the virus makes it a lot worse.

Make sure you are still employed in your 25th week of pregnancy, this is your "qualifying week" and confirms eligibility for Stat mat pay. After that I think they can force you to begin maternity leave early if you continue to be off sick

@Sadpandas123

Make sure you are still employed in your 25th week of pregnancy, this is your "qualifying week" and confirms eligibility for Stat mat pay. After that I think they can force you to begin maternity leave early if you continue to be off sick

If I were to leave my job after my 25th week would I still be sanctions from UC?

Not sure about that, but I'm facing probable redundancy at 32 weeks pregnant and qualify for UC

There are anti depressants that are ok in pregnancy - maybe speak to another GP. If you are on Statutory sick pay you won't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay as you won't meet the earnings rule. You could claim Maternity Allowance instead. You could stay on sick leave until you are 36 weeks pregnant at which point your employer can start your maternity leave early.

Sertraline is relatively safe in pregnancy. If your anxiety is that severe you'd probably be better off being on some form of treatment rather than just isolating/avoiding the anxieties for months at home as it will become harder to re-integrate into the work place the longer you have off. You may benefit from referral to a perinatal mental health team or midwife specialising in mental health - does your midwife know about the issues?

I’m nearly 9 weeks and my boss has just dropped the bombshell that some of our jobs are at risk. I’m worried myself, I mean where would I get a new job in this climate. Times are defo scary.