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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Asking for time off work?

4 replies

MissBxx · 25/02/2026 11:04

Hi,
I completely understand everyone's pregnancy journey is different etc but just looking for some advice really on how to speak to my line manager / HR person regarding how much I'm struggling at the moment. I have a fairly decent job, small company and usually friendly colleagues so not at all a bad environment. Its more so the physical exhaustion and big pressures/stress currently 9 weeks so yes very early but I'm struggling to stay awake at work and the nausea and back pain is killing me. I don't drive so commute takes me approx 1hr each day (which isn't a problem just makes matters worse). My midwife told me yesterday I'll need consultant lead care (at least for now) due to a heart condition which has only added to my personal stresses and work stress is piling on me. Basically I just feel like I'm not coping at the minute and could probably do with some time off but the way everyone/everything is at work currently I doubt they'd be happy with me asking for some time off and don't know how to approach it at all. Just feel like I'm drowning in work, I'm stupidly uncomfortable and have 0 support.

I appreciate there's lots of pregnant mums with much worse problems going on and I've really tried not to moan / complain as my baby is so so wanted and I'm very grateful to have minimal issues it's just the work element of it all that's taking it out of me right now and I don't know what to do. 😫x

OP posts:
7238SM · 25/02/2026 11:15

Are your work aware you are pregnant? Have you had a risk assessment done by them?

When I had a staff member having similar issues, some things which helped her were starting later and leaving later to avoid peak commuting times, she worked from home 2 days a week (long before WFH was the norm) and certain tasks were shared out amongst other staff. Are there any adjustments which might help you? Make an appointment with your manager and take a list of the things you are struggling with and ideally, how you feel these could be improved with adjustments. If you feel adjustments wouldn't help, then speak to your GP about time off. Work should support you for a phased return when you feel able.

FTMJul26 · 25/02/2026 11:16

Lots of people take time off sick in the first trimester, it’s very normal I would try not to worry about it so much you have to do what’s best for you and your baby! Work will still be there when you return. Congrats on your pregnancy and hopefully the exhaustion will pass in your second trimester, it has for me

Original poster
MissBxx · 25/02/2026 12:33

7238SM · 25/02/2026 11:15

Are your work aware you are pregnant? Have you had a risk assessment done by them?

When I had a staff member having similar issues, some things which helped her were starting later and leaving later to avoid peak commuting times, she worked from home 2 days a week (long before WFH was the norm) and certain tasks were shared out amongst other staff. Are there any adjustments which might help you? Make an appointment with your manager and take a list of the things you are struggling with and ideally, how you feel these could be improved with adjustments. If you feel adjustments wouldn't help, then speak to your GP about time off. Work should support you for a phased return when you feel able.

I told them at 4 weeks due to previous losses & have said they’ll do a risk assessment but as far as I know this hasn’t been done, would they inform me of this when they’ve carried one out? I currently work from home 1 day per week (contracted before pregnancy) so ideally I’d be looking for maybe 1 more day from home and then for someone else to share some of my responsibilities just to ease my workload slightly. Thank you for replying as this was really helpful xx

OP posts:
Original poster
MissBxx · 25/02/2026 12:35

FTMJul26 · 25/02/2026 11:16

Lots of people take time off sick in the first trimester, it’s very normal I would try not to worry about it so much you have to do what’s best for you and your baby! Work will still be there when you return. Congrats on your pregnancy and hopefully the exhaustion will pass in your second trimester, it has for me

Thank you, I really needed to hear this. I just feel like a burden currently as it’s a small company I don’t like to feel like I’m causing too many issues for other people but I do need to do whats right for me & baby! Fingers crossed it eases off, thank you & congratulations also!x

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