Sort of pregnancy related absence- TMI?

[AhoyMcCoy]

Am 10 weeks pregnant. My lovely manager knows and is wonderful. Have developed the most awful piles ever- couldn't sleep last night due to pain, cannot walk etc. Rang today to say I wouldn't be in, but didn't explain why.

I'm mortified - do I have to explain its piles? It will go on my record then won't it, which seems embarrassing! Am I just overthinking it? And will this definitely count as pregnancy related absence?! Am guessing the pregnacare tablets I'm on have caused constipation which has caused this, but basically I don't know what/how much I have to tell work!

You don't have to explain the specifics, if you don't want to. You may have to fill in a self-certification form when you get back, which has a space for the nature of the illness. I always fill those in with something vague like 'viral illness' or 'digestive disturbance'. I have never had anyone ask for more detail. If you are off for a week or more, you will need to get a doctor's note. If you get to that stage (and I hope you don't) you can discuss with the doctor what they will put on the form.

You aren't certain it's a pregnancy-related illness. You don't really know if the tablets are causing the piles or not. However, classifying an illness as pregnancy related may give you extra protection. You might want to have a look at the Maternity Action web site for more information.

If I don't have to be specific then I think il try and keep it vague, thanks. I just don't want my manager to think I'm pulling a fast one, and calling in sick on a Monday morning always seems a little "can't be bothered to get out of bed" to me!

Went to drs this morning who was lovely and prescribed some stuff, I feel more cope-able already, so fingers crossed I go back tomorrow and can try and bring it under the carpet!

Glad you are feeling better about it Ahoy.