Do we think the doc would sign me off with exhaustion?

[hopefully]

I am trying to negotiate some reduced work hours/working from home, but as my immediate boss is away, it doesn't look like anything is going to be achieved until she's back in a few weeks.

Anyway, if i don't get the reduced hours, does anything think there's any chance of my doc signing me off with exhaustion or some similarly unimpressive sounding ailment? I have a 2 hour commute each way to work, and while my work load isn't ridiculous, I'm spending over 12 hours out of the house each day, and spending every evening crying/nearly crying/feeling sick/being sick with tiredness and the thought of having to do it all over again the next day. To me this is worse than normal tiredness, but I hate kicking up a fuss just because I'm pregnant! I'm only 14.2 weeks...

Any thoughts much appreciated!

My doctor signed me off at 27 weeks with exhaustion and depression - the commute was just getting too much for me and my boss turned down my request for more fleible working.It does mean that I have been on statutory sick pay rather than full pay, btu it has been a big relief to be honest. I feel better rested and the SPD that was making it so painful for me to walk is nowhere near as bad. I think if you feel you need to be signed off your doctor should be sympathetic- just consider what you will do if your flexible working request is turned down. I am sure I could have made more of a fuss, as my job is perfectly do-able from home and it was the commute that was really getting me down, but with so little time before I started my maternity leave it didn't seem worth it. Good luck

Thank you. Have just approached my boss's boss, so hoping to get some joy on the flexible working, but good to know that signing off for exhaustion is a possible thing!

I think so if you have a sympathetic doctor. I was signed off at 12 weeks because I went into premature labour with my DD. At 12 weeks I started to have contractions. Luckily everything was fine, but the hospital staff kept telling me to keep it easy and rest. Went to see my GP who was horrified about what had happened to me and about the 2h commute each way. I was then signed off for three weeks.

You should also mention to your doctor that you are sick with tiredness and crying every night as tiredness and pre-natal depression sometimes go hand in hand and you may well end up with depression