Should I get signed off?

[Abs8]

I'm super early in my pregnancy - roughly 7 weeks - but the nausea and exhaustion is debilitating. The nausea is so bad it's waking me up in the night and is not letting off at all through the day. I can't keep myself awake and feel like I need to sleep all day. I fell asleep just sitting upright at my desk last week. I'm trying to manage the nausea by snacking on bland food and keeping hydrated but it's not working. I feel really uncomfortable letting work know that I'm pregnant and that I'm struggling to do my job - it's quite a demanding job involving teaching to large groups. I suppose I feel embarrassed that I'm only 7 weeks and am causing problems for them already. Do people just drag themselves through this period and accept that quality of work will slip, or is it common to get signed off?

I would visit your GP and get meds on board to manage it. It can unfortunately take a number of weeks to get past the sickness so rather than just get signed off and ride it out, I personally would lean towards managing it with meds. You may decide you need a few sick days off to sort out a plan with your doctor and to get the meds in your system, but hopefully they will work well you and get you back on your feet soon.

Every pregnancy is different OP. I personally was signed off for 3 weeks at 9 weeks pregnant due to sickness and fatigue. I'm 33 weeks now and I'm on maternity leave! It's really taken everything out of me. However I know some women who worked all the way up until they gave birth! It really is whatever is best for you physically and financially.

I wouldn't worry about being 'only' 7 weeks- that's absolute peak time for sickness and tiredness to kick in. In every pregnancy I've had a few days off around that time to sort myself out/wait for the worst of it to pass, then been able to work til the end- so you may be lucky!

See your GP for advice and go from there- meds/rest should help.

I also found things with a little sugar helped. Kids innocent smoothies, sucking on a mint imperial or humbug- maybe try that?

Hi OP

I struggled really badly with sickness and nausea when I was pregnant with my son weeks 6-12. I just got on with it and absolutely ruined my mental health. I’m (hopefully) pregnant again and will not be doing it again! Will try and manage it with medication but will be very kind to myself and going off work. I remember people saying your not ill your pregnant when in actual fact I’d never felt that unwell in my life.

Look after yourself,I was absolutely fine from 13 weeks and had a great pregnancy with lots of energy from them on xx

Thank you for your advice everyone.

I'm really hoping it only lasts for the first trimester 🤞🏼 I think I'll give it a week and if I still can't manage I'll go and see my GP.

Thanks again!

I soldiered on but that was 16 years ago. Nausea at work, on the train in, being sick at train stations (auditor). I would admit myself to first aid room at work for an hour's lunchtime nap in the fist 3 months 😴 Worked until 2 weeks before due date and I last had episode of nausea during my labour. I did not a get a medal ...🥇

Don't worry about being "only" 7 weeks as its pure hell then but should eventually get better as you progress! I was signed off for 4 weeks from weeks 7-11 as I couldn't cope or function at all. Im now 18 weeks and doing much better.
Also speak to your GP about anti sickness meds, even getting a break from the nausea for a couple hours is so worth it.

Yes take the time off. With my first and second pregnancies I took the days as required.
In the second pregnancy I pushed myself too much and ended in a and E after a fall caused by dizziness from lack of food.
In my third pregnancy 4 months after the second my boss told me to stay at home and I ended up signed off from work for 4 weeks. My GP offered 8 weeks. Unfortunately that, like the 2nd ended in loss.

The first trimester is brutal take the time you need and don't push yourself too far.