I got a date for my 12 week scan but won't be able to go - advice please?

[julietaboolie]

I was so excited about getting a date for my 12 week scan! I found out I was pregnant when I was less than 4 weeks so it seems to have taken ages.

However, my employers are now saying they can't cover me at work and I'll have to rearrange it.

My original appointment is only 2 weeks away.

Does anyone know how easy it is to change? Is it likely that if I change it, I'll have to wait even longer? Has anyone else successfully changed theirs?

Does anyone know where I stand legally on this?

I could cry - I was so looking forward to it

[Tinkerisdead]

is there a number on the scan letter to call to rearrange it? try talking to them to see what they can offer however legally im sure you are entitled to all time off for antenatal appointments although you are obliged to show the confirmation letter as proof.

do you want to change it? I'd claim my rights and attend my scan! knobs to ask you to change it! its hard enough waiting for that first scan. x

[vitomum]

two choices; change it, or tell your employer you are entitled to time off for ante-natal appts.

v rotten of them to make that request of you.

oh, and congrats on your pg

[julietaboolie]

There is a number but I really don't want to change it. Both myself and OH were really looking forward to it.

I've already had to change one midwife appointment due to work.

Problem is, I'm a workforce of one, so it's not like anyone can cover me for a few hours. However, if they don't agree to the time off there's not a lot I can do without playing the legal card, which makes working life very uncomfortable until I start my maternity leave.

[vitomum]

surely they must have plans to cover you for other things - holidays, sickness etc. what do they do then?

[LadyThompson]

Be careful because if you delay it too much and it turns out you need a CVS, there is a very short window in which you can have that.

[kayzisexpecting]

They have to give you time off. Its illegal if they don't give you the time off.

[MrsTittleMouse]

There is also quite a small window during which they can do accurate dating and nuchal fold measurements. Agree with everyone that if you were ill that they would have to cover for you, and you've given them plenty of notice.

[Katelyn]

Firstly, an employer has to allow paid leave for antenatal appointments.

On the other hand, the hospitals are generally fairly good at offering you another slot if you rang to explain.

Good luck with the scan.

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

I couldn't rearrange my scan for a date before 2 weeks later, which I didn't mind as I wanted it as late as possible, but sounds like that would be a problem for you.
Stand your ground, they are being unreasonable. Go to your scan then take 2 days off sick with 'pregnancy related symptoms' just to annoy them

[2point4kids]

First of all I'd ring the scan dept and see if they can change it to the day before or after or another nearby time that suits you. Perhaps they could even do it the same day but 1st or last thing so you'd miss less work?

If you cant change it or if they can only change it to a much later date then go back to your employer and say

'I'm really sorry, I have tried my best to change it but unfortunately I cant get another appt in the window needed for the tests to be accurate. Its incredibly important that I have this scan so I'm afraid I will have to have the time off to go'

Hope you get it sorted!

[elkiedee]

Seems terribly unfair. I was able to rearrange my scan in my first pregnancy at a major London hospital to the next day (we were coming back from holiday on the original date and would have still been on the wrong side of London!).

Ring the hospital and see if they can help, but if not, then I think you should insist that you take that time off anyway. It doesn't sound like you've got the nicest employer. Good luck.

Are you due in January 2009? - sounds like it with a 12 week scan in a fortnight. Come and join us in the antenatl group for that month.

[MissingMyHeels]

I changed my scan with no problems to the day before my original appointment, just call them and see.