Time off - 8 weeks pregnant

[SPink91]

Hi guys, I am 8+4 weeks pregnant with my first baby, I had to come home on Tuesday as I had such a bad head, I have hurt my neck during sleeping which I think caused the initial headache. Anyway I’ve been really struggling, I get sick at night so don’t sleep properly, I then have to sleep in the day, I’m absolutely exhausted I can’t stop crying. I want to go to the doctors today and see if they’ll sign me off for a week or two (that way I’ll also get paid so don’t need to worry about money). I just feel I need some rest but am I being a wimp? I’ve never felt so tired.

Not being a wimp!

I had 8 weeks off in both my pregnancies due to sickness (hyperemisis gravidarum) and the related fatigue.

Does your employer know you are pregnant?!

By law, pregnancy related sickleavr must be recorded seperatejy, and can not be used in disciplinary action against yiu / yiur HR team/advisor should be aware of this, but in practice, many don't, especially in smaller organisations or those that don't have many women on the staff.

Pregnancy Sickness Support have lots of legal, practical, emotional and medical advice.

Maternity Action have great legal advice

Thank you! That makes me feel better. Employer knows I’m pregnant and HR knows the rules re pregnancy as we’ve discussed it.

just waiting for the docs to open, I’m honestly just utterly exhausted, it’s like constant jet lag x

Definately not a wimp. I’m going into 8 weeks and have had the last 2 weeks off work (part time) & had to cancel a couple of freelance sessions. It’s a lot on your body. Rest as much as you can.I’ve also booked son into nursery few days a week this summer holiday so I am not constantly doing things. Listen to your body.

Thank you! I had no idea it can be this exhausting. I also absolutely respect existing mothers who are pregnant because wow! How do you guys do it all x

Don't panic if you can't be seen by the doctor today, you are allowed to self-certify for the first week of sick leave. Hope you're feeling better soon x

You have to self certify for the first week. Then you can get a doctors note.

Thanks hun, I’ve got a doc calling me today, I don’t even know what to say lol I feel daft, I’m so early on, I don’t want my work or my bf to look at me and be like “really, you can’t cope already?” Lol.

but also, I don’t want to moan, like I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, I just need a break xx