Sick leave during pregnancy

AJKmummy · 2025-02-07T03:13:45+00:00

So I'm 23 weeks pregnant and work in health care , quite a fast paced demanding job. I have been struggling as I have high blood pressure (seems to be made worse by working). And severely low iron which makes me extremely dizzy when bending down which I have to do a lot in my job. I took sick leave 3 weeks ago and due back next week. I had a call and I have decided to stay on the sick and request a new sick note next week. Work said they need to come out to do a 'wellness check' and have mentioned I'm to hard to get ahold of (I'm not sleeping and they often call in the morning when I finally manage to sleep). I'm really stressed and anxious about this. Is it normal for them to come out when you go of sick? Do I have to accept and can they make me lose my job because of being sick?

Sunnydays12340987 · 07/02/2025 07:54

There's no reason they can't arrange to call you at an agreed time that suits you. You're doing what you need to do and putting you and your baby first. Why are they coming out to visit you? What does this wellness check consist of? Sorry I'm not sure on the legalities but maybe contact or check on citizen's advice website?

Original poster

AJKmummy · 07/02/2025 14:02

Sunnydays12340987 · 07/02/2025 07:54

There's no reason they can't arrange to call you at an agreed time that suits you. You're doing what you need to do and putting you and your baby first. Why are they coming out to visit you? What does this wellness check consist of? Sorry I'm not sure on the legalities but maybe contact or check on citizen's advice website?

I have had a phone call with my senior she didn't really say much just kept complaining about how hard I am to get hold of. She tried calling the other day and stated she would call at 1pm . She then called at 11am instead and I didn't catch the call she never called back at agreed time. She said manager will come with her for home visit to me, she never questioned if this is ok and I was comfortable she made it sound like it's not a choice and I have to let them in which I'm uncomfortable with and it makes me feel very vulnerable. She said she will text me with a date and time however I have received nothing.

OP posts:

Sunnydays12340987 · 07/02/2025 14:05

AJKmummy · 07/02/2025 14:02

I have had a phone call with my senior she didn't really say much just kept complaining about how hard I am to get hold of. She tried calling the other day and stated she would call at 1pm . She then called at 11am instead and I didn't catch the call she never called back at agreed time. She said manager will come with her for home visit to me, she never questioned if this is ok and I was comfortable she made it sound like it's not a choice and I have to let them in which I'm uncomfortable with and it makes me feel very vulnerable. She said she will text me with a date and time however I have received nothing.

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Yea that all sounds unhelpful for you. I would document everything and ask that they put the time they want to visit you in writing eg email.

Scottishgirl85 · 07/02/2025 14:13

Are you on iron supplements? Whilst it seems you genuinely are struggling, a month of sick leave is significant. You need to discuss with them what other roles you could manage, or you risk triggering mat leave early.

Original poster

AJKmummy · 07/02/2025 14:34

Scottishgirl85 · 07/02/2025 14:13

Are you on iron supplements? Whilst it seems you genuinely are struggling, a month of sick leave is significant. You need to discuss with them what other roles you could manage, or you risk triggering mat leave early.

Yes I am on iron supplements , the sick leave was suggested by my senior as unfortunately I collapsed during a call I was doing. I will be taking maternity leave as soon as possible due to this as they have stated they are unable adjust my work to better meet my needs I also feel I'd prefer to take it early to prevent the stress of work contacting me about coming back constantly. It definitely wasn't because I felt slightly unwell I do have a few health complications that become an issue during pregnancy I also have severe anxiety due to diagnosed PTSD as I had a stillborn in 2021.

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LuckysDadsHat · 07/02/2025 14:39

Don't go on maternity as soon as you can. Stay off sick until 36 weeks and then have your maternity start. People may disagree with me, but you have to put yourself first.

Original poster

AJKmummy · 07/02/2025 15:51

LuckysDadsHat · 07/02/2025 14:39

Don't go on maternity as soon as you can. Stay off sick until 36 weeks and then have your maternity start. People may disagree with me, but you have to put yourself first.

I do have to use my full years Annual leave so I think it's going to end up being like 34 weeks anyway I have her at 37 due to complications with blood pressure xx

OP posts:

HeadInTheClouds4 · 07/02/2025 16:00

AJKmummy · 07/02/2025 15:51

I do have to use my full years Annual leave so I think it's going to end up being like 34 weeks anyway I have her at 37 due to complications with blood pressure xx

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It is illegal for them to not make reasonable adjustments during your pregnancy, so in any case you are within your rights to go to a tribunal and sue them for alot may I add. It is also unreasonable for them to spring a visit on you. You can obtain free legal advice from citizens advice, so i would recommend doing that immediately via a call and then put everything in an email for you to keep track of. You are within your right to refuse the visit until you have sought advice also.