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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Breaks at work

17 replies

Xxy1432 · 13/10/2020 19:54

If you work 4.5 hours shift, would you expect to have a break during that because you are pregnant? The guidance I have read says ‘yes you are allowed extra breaks because you’re pregnant and then also, “you’re entitled to one 20 min break every six hours of work” (same as everyone else) so which is it?
I sometimes work 8 hour shifts too and then everyone at our work gets 30 mins break so more than the 20 mins. Would my employer say that I am already getting 10 mins extra anyway or can I ask for more?

OP posts:

Original poster

Xxy1432 · 13/10/2020 19:55

I work in an office (Admin role) by the way in case that’s relevant.

OP posts:

Belle1983 · 13/10/2020 20:57

I'm not 100% sure on legalities hopefully someone else will be soon.
All I know from my own experience is that extra breaks were mentioned in my risk assessment, but in reality I haven't needed them.
I am allowed to snack at my desk, obviously I'm not monitored going to the loo more and I was advised to mix mu tasks up so I'm not sitting for too long.

Maybe it's a bit flexible to individual needs. Colleagues on my Dept also work in restricted areas where food/drink are not allowed. I think they would need more formal breaks than me.

Original poster

Xxy1432 · 13/10/2020 21:22

So I guess you just talk to your manager and agree something? So what’s to stop me saying I want to lie down in a darkened room for 30 minutes in every hour?! have no idea how my work would provide me with somewhere to lie down it’s just an office with a titchy kitchen and titchy loo, I suppose I could lie on a desk...?!

OP posts:

yasmeani · 13/10/2020 21:32

Well what's your reasoning?
Are you standing all day? And therefore need to sit more
Are you sitting? And therefore need a movement break?
Do you need to snack because of nausea?...
What's the actual issue or is it JUST that you are pregnant??

Original poster

Xxy1432 · 13/10/2020 22:18

I can stand/sit/move around whenever I like. I suppose I can feel a bit tired towards the end of my longer day. I don’t have nausea but a snack during the short day would probably be good.

OP posts:

cabbageking · 14/10/2020 00:46

If you are feeling unwell then request an additional break.

The 20 mins after 6 hours is the requirement but perhaps you need 10 minutes every 2 hours to go the toilet. Perhaps you need a bottle of water and biscuit to hand.

If you need 30 mins every hour then perhaps you need to see a doctor?

A discussion about what will help you would be best. What do you think would help? Is this reasonable. Think about the problem you are experiencing and ask.

Terrace58 · 14/10/2020 04:28

If you have an admin job, can you not just have a quick nibble on something while you work?

Original poster

Xxy1432 · 14/10/2020 07:14

I could have a nibble while I work, and Everyone can have their 30 min when and how they like through the longer day. I just want to know what extra I could/should ask for. What happens in other workplaces? And what if I want to lie down but there just isn’t anywhere?

OP posts:

RosieGirl27 · 14/10/2020 07:17

I work in an office as a receptionist and when I got into my third trimester I was told I could take a break whenever, just call someone for cover. So I use to take a 10 - 20 minute walk to stretch my legs.

yasmeani · 14/10/2020 07:27

With all due respect @Xxy1432 if it's only 4.5 hours you should need to lie down. If you do then there's something wrong I would imagine? An extra snack break...yes, extra toilet breaks...yes. BUT lying down?? You do know that women do 12 hour shifts in busy hospitals and don't ask to lie down??

Hatepickinganame · 14/10/2020 07:29

I do 10 hour shifts and get 2x 15 min breaks. Extra breaks have never been mentioned and im 32 weeks with 3 risk assessments complete. I can pretty much take my break whenever and go to the loo, grab a drink etc whenever i want also. As for the lying down request, i could be wrong but i dont think they have to provide you with a facility for this?

BendingSpoons · 14/10/2020 07:35

I felt so awful I used to lie on the floor of the disabled toilet! I know that's gross but at the time I honestly didn't care. If you are 'only' feeling a bit tired by the end of the day I think you just have to get on with it to be honest. Some snacks etc are probably a good plan for a bit of extra energy.

Olive1701 · 14/10/2020 07:41

I am not sure on the legal side of things but I’ve been told I can have a break whenever I need one at work and to let them know if I will be longer than 20 minutes as will need to get someone to cover me for that time.

Olive1701 · 14/10/2020 07:42

And actually thinking about it I’m sure they did mention something in my risk assessment about lying down- where that would be I don’t actually know though haha

HanPanPeg · 14/10/2020 07:44

Just ask for what you need?! Obviously if you are vomiting etc. you would need more toilet breaks. It sounds like you are just wanting to ask for ‘perks’ because you are pregnant.. most people just get on with their jobs to the extent they are able to do so.

movingonup20 · 14/10/2020 07:49

I thought the breaks were more so you can use the toilet or grab a drink/snack for those in environments where they can't otherwise move. In admin you are seated, can have water whenever and use the toilet - why do you need an extra break

WhoUsedMyName · 14/10/2020 07:50

it's pretty normal to work 10 hour shift with an hour break and on your feet all day. I done this right up to 37 weeks sounds like you have it pretty easy. Don't be that pregnant colleague that's pregnancy is just harder than anyone else's ever people will become resentful and not caring.

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