changing working hours

[nicole_]

im struggling with night shifts
i barely sleep cus of my back etc, and im so exhuasted when i do get to work and get so many headaches at night.
are we within are rights to ask for the shifts to be changed to all early instead of some late/some early.
would i need a doctors/midwives note for the sort of thing?

 

[Mum2MJ]

I think it's generally understood that working day/regular shifts is better health wise for pregnant ladies, I would suggest asking and if they say no, go to your GP and get their backing, I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem doing that

 

[happybeany]

You've lasted a lot longer than I would have I'm with mum2mj, ask work first then if they're awkward get your backing xxx

 

[miss h]

Hi hun,
I was in a similar situation to you. I finally stopped nightshifts at about 32 weeks. I worked on a reception desk for hotel-like accommodation. My shifts are all 12 hours, which sounds bad but it is usually very quiet and I spend most of the night on the internet and watching tv/dvds. My consultant wanted me to stop nightshifts very early on but, I felt I could cope.

It wasn't until around 30 weeks that the sleeping became a problem and my blood pressure kept going really high. I spoke to my manager and we agreed I would go on to days (still 12 hour and a lot busier than nights mind you). I did have to get a note from my G.P just to have in my HR folder as I want the opportunity of going back to nightshifts when I return to work.

Personally I have found that coming off nights has helped. My BP is lower, I am sleeping (slightly) better and I am finding it a lot easier to get to my appointments.

I would have a chat with your manager about it. Your G.P should have no problem writing you a note if you need it.