Time off work?

[ILoveShoes]

Hello,
Has anyone taken any time off work, due to being pregnant?
I'm off sick today (had some spotting yesterday - all fine, but m/w said I should rest).
To be honest, I feel fine but I have been very stressed lately and have been getting really worked up. I'm in my final year of Uni, and I work full time, so have been really busy all the time.
One of my colleagues said I should go to the Doc's and get signed off for a week or so, so I can relax. I really don't think my boss would appreciate this.
What do you think, ladies? What would you do?
xx

 

[maybe_baby]

Who cares what your boss would appreciate - it's what you and your baby need. If you feel like you need some time off, go see the doctors x

 

[ILoveShoes]

Who cares what your boss would appreciate - it's what you and your baby need. If you feel like you need some time off, go see the doctors x

Aw, thank you!
I am really tired, and I did think that maybe the spotting was down to stress, or was my body's way of telling me to calm down.
The thing is though, I feel ok. I mean, I'm knackered and would love some time off, but I don't feel poorly.
When I rang in this morning, my Boss was like, "How long will you be off for?" and I said, "I should be back in next week, coz I feel fine, I've just been advised to rest by my m/w." I probably shouldn't have said that, should I?
xx

 

[Stacey_89]

I actually took 2 weeks holiday off just for my morning sickness, i cudnt get out of bed and was phoning in sick, so i thought stuff it instead of phoning in sick im taking some holidays back to work on monday and morning sickness has eased off, got a feeling tho it will start again when i go bk to work cuz that wud just be my luck lol

 

[ClaireNicole]

I called in today! I just got back from a 2 week vacation and my ms is worse then it was when I left! I'm working as much as possible but I couldn't get up today... I made it to the bathroom and to the couch! Thats it! My dh is being pretty understanding and I say if you don't need the money... then why stress over work! If the doctor says take time off then for sure take time off!

 

[sparky32]

As long as your off for a pregnancy related illness this cannot be used in any sickness/absent management, basically you can take time off and your boss or company cant do anything about it xx

 

[starsunshine]

Yeah sparky 32 is right. I have taken odd parts of the day off here and there when I have felt just too sick to carry on or get out of bed but if I were in your position I'd be getting at least 1 week off. You and baby are more important.

 

[ILoveShoes]

As long as your off for a pregnancy related illness this cannot be used in any sickness/absent management, basically you can take time off and your boss or company cant do anything about it xx

Really? I didn't know this!
Thanks!
xx

 

[mlyn26]

Yes pregnancy related sickness cannot count. I had one day off when i was spotting but was saying to my mum i'm so exhausted i could do with some time off. I work for probation and we have recently merged with another area and my caseload and reports have shot up. I am literally dreading everyday that i go in. Today i could have actually cried, i am so stressed. My hair is falling out but not sure if its just a sign of the pregnancy or my stress!!

Take the time off, i might be joining you!! x

 

[petitpas]

As long as your off for a pregnancy related illness this cannot be used in any sickness/absent management, basically you can take time off and your boss or company cant do anything about it xx

Really? I didn't know this!
Thanks!
xx

Yep, it's true. There's quite a bit of info at direct.gov and have you been given your bounty pack yet? There's an insert in there all about your rights at work and your employer's responsibilities. If you haven't got the pack, ask your m/w for one! Here's a quote from the Pregnancy and Work leaflet:

If you are off work with a pregnancy related illness your employer must pay you in the same way as for any other type of illness. But if there are disciplinary rules related to sick leave in your workplace pregnancy-related illnesss must be excluded. You must not be treated unfairly because of any pregnancy related illness.
Hope that helps!

The leaflet also has a section specifically designed for you to give to your employer, by the way...

 

[ShanandBoc]

I got grief from my boss from calling in sick due to pregnancy sickness. I actually started a thread about it. I have decided to listen to my body and rest when its telling me to, despite the harrassment im getting from my boss. All they care about is when ill be back not if im okay. Im pretty disgusted at the way they have treated me.

i have had 8 days off so far and im only 7 weeks but i really just couldnt get out of bed.

I think its ridiculous that we are made to feel guilty.....

 

[ShanandBoc]

Oh and i was recieving abusive text messages and all. I found out what my rights are incase it escalates but i will not be bullied by them. I plan to be back next week and am gearing myself up for attitude from my boss but im not afraid to tell him what i think and that the way i have been treated is highly inappropriate

 

[petitpas]

Better keep those texts!
And you go give it to them when you go back in! If you're worried about standing up to them on your own, there is a number you can call for someone to advise you on your rights and to help you out if needed. I'll dig it out if you think it might help.

Really, sometimes I wonder about these people. Don't they realise that it's too late and you are already pregnant? It's in their own interest to keep you happy so that you want to come back after your maternity leave.

 

[mlyn26]

I have had bleeding and cramps and am awaiting a scan this week. I am going to take at least 3 days off to put my feet up.

 

[a_c]

I over work and despite all my best intentions I always get stressed with work. Thing is if I take some time off I'll just come back to the work I missed- no one else will do it !!

 

[ILoveShoes]

I'm still stuck
I took Thursday off, I don't work Fridays anyway, and then I went in on Saturday. Today, I'm bleeding again!
I've got my 12 week scan on Tuesday, but was thinking of going to the Doctor's tomorrow and seeing if he will sign me off for a week.
What do you all think?
My boss is lovely, but I'm a bit scared of her. Like you've all said though, my baby is my priority.
xx