First trimester sickness & work

[LeahMc96]

I’m currently 6 weeks pregnant and really suffering with exhaustion and headaches (luckily no nausea, as of yet anyway). I’m struggling to get on with my daily activities and am feeling exhausted by dinner time at work to the point where I am struggling to concentrate and be productive. Has anyone else taken any sick days due to these symptoms? I was thinking of using annual leave but I will end up using all of my allowance for the year and have none to take later. I’m not one to take time off however I know I am struggling compared to usual. Your opinions/experiences would be appreciated. TIA x

Hey, I work in HR. Please let your employer know you are pregnant. Once they know, they have a duty to support you in your pregnancy. Which means if you need to start work later or take a day off sick to rest, that is ok. You have a protected status being pregnant so they should allow you time off for sickness / appointments / scans etc. I know it's very early but think you'd be better off in the long run telling your manager now so they can support you. Good luck!

@flowerlover1990 thanks for your answer its really helpful to know

@LeahMc96 thanks foe asking the question. Like you I'm beginning to struggle but can't take time off as I have too much work to do. I hope you manage to dodge the morning sickness bullet but the fatigue and headaches also sound horrific. Hope they ease up for you x

@flowerlover1990 Thank you for your reply it’s really helpful! Initially I was going to try and keep it to myself until 12 weeks… however now that my symptoms have started I don’t think I can wait that long, so will tell my manager when I see her (I’ve not made it in to the office today as I’ve been so exhausted. Went back to bed and slept until 12 after the school run) 😩 really hoping that the symptoms ease over the next few weeks… 🤞🏼x

@NatGee bless you! Just try and make sure you find some time to rest. It’s crazy how something so little can wipe you out so much! Just reminding myself how grateful I am to be in this position… although it doesn’t take away that pregnancy can be a struggle at times, especially the first trimester x

I also wanted to wait with my employer but because of how ill I felt in the first trimester I told my manager and as pp said, it meant I could say to them 'i'm unwell due to my pregnancy today so will need to take it slow of that's ok'. Hope you feel better once you're a little further on!

My sympathies @LeahMc96. I'm well into the 2nd trimester now and fortunately the fatigue lifted at around 16 weeks but oh my goodness it was like nothing I'd experienced before! Fortunately I was in between jobs anyway but I spent pretty much the whole first trimester in bed except for when running to the loo to be sick! Definitely do what you need to do to look after yourself.