Stress in work and outside of work

[2023MumToBe]

Hi All,

im 29 weeks pregnant and currently working 4x 10 hour shifts a week, I’m usually on my feet all day throughout these. I also travel an hour to and from work each day I’m in, so my working day is around 12 hours.

im struggling at the moment with acid reflux, all day and all night, the worst I’ve ever had. In relation to this I’m being sick an awful lot, especially of a night. It’s causing me to get around 3 hours sleep a night. If I’m not throwing up, I’ve got back ache and can’t get comfortable throughout the night or my legs are cramping up.

I do try to rest as much as I can on my days off, but I’m currently living with my partners family temporarily. You know people say “enjoy the rest before the baby gets here” well that is not possible in this house. I’m beyond grateful of them letting us stay for the short while we are, but they are always arguing or slamming doors or being generally loud. The environment is unfortunately quite negative and this is also impacting my mental health, luckily it is only for two weeks.

I have explained to my manager how little sleep I am getting, and have made them aware my mental health is not at its best at the moment. After doing a risk assessment at work, that stated I should not be doing night shifts, I am still struggling for support at work. I have been told I must still do my on call shifts, as these are not considered night shifts? When I am on call I will work 8am - 6pm, sometimes 7pm. Then I am on call until 8am the next morning.

Staff members are not supporting me, leaving me by myself to put stores orders away, big boxes that go on shelves higher than head height.

I’m just looking for some advice please because I really am close to quitting my job due to stress. I have considered a sick note but unfortunately I would not receive sick pay. Sorry for such a long message on here, I just feel like I’m all out of options and I’m struggling to find the best solution and advice

Can you ask for a maternity risk assessment? Copy in your HR team.

Also, you can get a fit note for work that says you are not fit to do your job but would be with reasonable adjustments. So go to your GP and ask for this, again cc HR in when you request it.

Sorry you are feeling like this x

Thank you for your reply, I really do appreciate it!

I had my risk assessment and apparently the policy states that I have to continue working nights/on call unless it poses a risk. My manager has said that it does not impose a risk. Following this the policy states that if the pregnant worker believes it does impose a risk, I must supply a note from a midwife or GP.

I contacted my GP about this and was told they would get a note written up for me, today I was finally contacted to say the note was ready for collection but it will cost me £20 to collect it😅

Once again, thank you for your advice, I really do appreciate the time taken!

I don't have any advice on the work situation but just wanted to help with the reflux issue. I've been having really bad heartburn and reflux and after speaking with the doctor I've been prescribed Omeprazole which is safe in pregnancy and has changed my life the last two days. Like you its been keeping me up in the night and making me feel sick most of the time but have noticed a difference the same day on taking the first tablet.