Hi,
I'm new to this site and to pregnancy and my job! I hope you can help!
I work in a special needs school with secondary school children with autism or learning difficulties or with mobility issues eg in a wheelchair. One of my roles is to change the girls for swimming and to go in the swimming pool with them, this is my issue its hot in the changing rooms, really stresfull due to time limitations and i really don't feel safe when im in the confined space. I approached my boss in a off the cuff way (a mistake I think) shortly before xmas about not taking part in swimming anymore and I was met with a very serious reply of do we need to sit and have a chat, as I was only 14 weeks and new to the job I panicked and said no. However since being off over xmas, growing a bigger bump (19weeks) and discussing with family members I really do not want to risk the safety of baby or me but I am really nervous about approaching the situation. I also was off ill the last week off term with the worst sickness and diorehea bug I have ever had, i followed school policy of calling in everyday sometimes twice a day, only to be met with an interrogation on the Thursday by one of my line managers and nearly left me in tears (who also carrys out the risk assesments and is generally not very approachable.) This left me really stressed and anxious over xmas and now Im dreading going back to work. To the point that I considered getting signed off with stress but I dont know if this is drastic?
What should I do? Should I go in straight away with a doctors note (nightmare trying to get an appointment) or can a midwife recommend that you be excused from some duties? I am quite young and as I said only been at the job since september (I know this shouldn't affect how I'm treated but it does!)
Sorry if I've babbled on and I welcome any advice. x