Manager being unfair re antenatal appointments

[OrcaBlondie]

I have informed my manager of all my antenatal appointments I am so far aware of (midwife and scans). I have rescheduled these to ensure they are at the start of the day or end of the day for less impact on my working day but she is ‘strongly encouraging’ me to book the days of my appointments as annual leave so I don’t have to rush and to use up leave I have built up. I am entitled to time off for all antenatal appointments (and even antenatal classes if I choose to attend any during my working hours). Finding it really difficult how to tell her I will not be booking the days as annual leave. I have already told her I do not plan to use leave for the appointments but she is still arguing it and it is starting to really get to me!

If it's in your policy get it in an email. Or go above her head.

www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

Do it by email.

And if she says something verbally, follow up by email.

”dear manager,

as per our chat today, I’m confirming the dates for my upcoming antenatal appointments. They are:
xxx
xxx
xxx

I’ll come into work immediately after this/I’ll have to leave a bit early to get to my appointment on time on thee dates.

I’ll let you know about additional appointments as soon as they are confirmed by the hospital”

If she wants you to take annual leave, she can put it in writing….

She is being a bit silly - but may be under work pressure? Quote the policy to her and highlight that your approach, ie taking appointments at the start or end of the day, is reasonable and what is allowed by your company as per the policy. Stick to your guns, while remaining calm and professional. Go to HR if necessary.