PGP/SPD adaptations at work

[rainbowzebra05]

Hi,

I'm currently 23, almost 24 weeks pregnant. Currently off work due to SPD.

I need to ask for a chat to go over things that could improve it. I had a filing day at the beginning of the week and the back and forth for only a few steps, sitting down and getting back up, and bending down, all seem to have irritated it. I'm currently on crutches.

My desk chair makes it worse, I seem to find softer chairs much more comfortable than hard but I'm not sure what to ask for here.

Can I please ask what adaptations people found helped to keep them in work longer? I'll be asking for permission to use the disabled parking bays so that I can guarantee being able to open my door wide enough (there's always free spaces) and I don't need to ask to use the lift instead of the stairs. I'm not sure what else to suggest. I only work half days so it isn't a huge stretch of time, but I'm finding that I'm significantly worse after being there.

I've not had a risk assessment yet so I'll be requesting one on my return alongside ideas to help my pelvis. But I'll need to go in armed to an extent because my manager doesn't seem to have a clue, having had textbook pregnancies herself.

Hi rainbowzebra05! I see you didn’t get any replies to your original post but was curious to know how you got on at work?

I have a desk job and have put my current pain down to my severe endometriosis but I’m now starting to consider PGP as the cause. I went back to the office for the first time yesterday and found myself sitting in all kinds of weird positions to get comfortable which can’t be good on my overall posture long term.

Just wondering what support was put into place for you and how you are getting on now! Hope all is going well!

Hi,

I spoke to my manager and essentially said that if nothing was in place then I was unlikely to make it to maternity leave.

I have a rocking footrest thing and brought my own lumbar support cushion in. I take frequent breaks to walk and stretch things out, and I've got flexible start and end times to allow for the extra time it takes me to get in as it's fairly unpredictable. They'd rather I was 10 mins late and worked 10 mins late to make it up, than needed sick time.

I'm also not being held to the dress code which is helping as it means I can wear supportive footwear without worrying about how it looks. They've given me permission to park in a disabled bay to ensure I can open my door fully to get out with my knees together.

I hope this helps! If you haven't already, asking your midwife for a physio referral is a good call. They can help with things like support bands and crutches, and the actual therapy can help too x