Issues with work

angelsnight

Has anyone else had issues with work with their high risk pregnancy?  A bit of a backstory, we had a management shift last winter and I got a new boss in January.  I got pregnant last November so from day one of having a new boss I called off more often than I normally would from not feeling well (my normal was 3-4 times a year, now roughly once a month).  We lost our daughter in March at 22 weeks so I took six weeks FMLA.  When I came back it was difficult to adjust to 40 hours a week when I was still so emotional, so I'd leave early or call off a few times in my first month back.

I got pregnant again in July and I am still high risk since I am sure I'll have GD again (did last time) and our loss was due to an incompetent cervix so I'll have a lot more frequent appointments this time (every two weeks) for monitoring and I mentioned to my boss that there is a better than usual chance that I'll end up on bed rest at some point during my pregnancy.

At just five weeks pregnant I was off for two days (unpaid because I ran out of sick/vacation time) for bleeding, and now at 8 weeks I left work early on Monday due to my MS, came in late yesterday for an appointment and called in today because I ended up in the ER for a UTI and severe dehydration.  Taking today off means when I leave early in two weeks for my next appointment, it will again be unpaid due to running out of time again.

I don't think my boss thinks I'm faking or anything, but I just feel bad that he's never had me as an employee when I wasn't pregnant or grieving and need a lot of time off.  I'm sure by now, despite trying to be understanding, he's getting impatient and assuming I'm one of those people that just always has issues.

I did have a talk with him back when I returned from FMLA after we lost our daughter....I thanked him for being so accommodating and understanding and I told him I hate missing so much work but it's just been really difficult.  He's kind of a hard person to read...didn't really say much one way or another.  I kind of wish he would either tell me he completely understands, or that I am on thin ice.  I've always had a strong work ethic and it stresses me out to think my boss might think I am a slacker or something.

I spoke to HR a few weeks ago to find out my options if I do end up on bed rest.  Basically I've got a total of 6 weeks STD and FMLA...so using any of that to deal with missing work right now isn't really an option because I need to save it in case I go on bed rest, or best case scenario, can save it all for when the baby comes.  Has anyone else dealt with these issues with missing work?  I might be making a bigger deal out of it than it is since my boss hasn't came out and said my job is in jeopardy or anything, but it's just really stressing me out and I'm wondering what other high risk mommas have done about missing work.

shelfrgg25

Hello, First off I'm sorry for your previous loss and sticky baby dust to you.  I don't really have much advice other than I know the feeling your talking about. 

I have been off a lot lately for appts and such and they usually only take half a day, so I come back in and work.  All of my appts are an hour away.  The ladies in my office have completely isolated me since becoming pregnant. 

When I come back from an appt my desk is a disaster.  Checks piled up and papers all over the place.  It is ridiculous.  But when they are out I help with their stuff. I have been working here for 2 years and most of them except 2 have been here for 30+ years.   I had 3 teeth pulled last tuesday and was back in the office the next day.  I'm also planning on having 10 more pulled this coming Monday and will be here Tuesday.  

I, like you, am a dedicated worker.  My boss is hard to read as well.  

Hang in there momma.  You are not alone.  Thoughts and prayers your way. 

Throw3ks

So sorry to hear about your loss. But a big congratulations for the LO on the way! Work can be the most stressful thing when dealing with BR. I have been out of work for 4+ weeks due to PTL, prior to this I never called in or missed a day.
We tried very hard and so long for this LO I almost took the approach of eff them. I'm doing what I need to do for me and my baby. Granted everyone's finances are different and different things can happen but I am concerned with me, not them. People will talk about you, it's human nature as to whether they think this or that but just let it roll off your back. You know you best! Take care of LO!!

staceymack

That is a tough situation to deal with. I am using all of my fmla before my babies arrive due to bed rest. I think it's best to have conversations with your boss and often about what's going on. Only he can tell you what steps to take and what to expect. Unfortunately, bosses have to follow policies and procedures of the company as to not find themselves in a situation of showing favoritism. I've kept my boss in the loop with what's going on even before being put on bed rest. I let her know when I've touched base with HR and what will happen next. GL

angelsnight

Thanks ladies, it's nice to know I am not alone.  You're right, my health and my baby are number 1 and I'm doing my best which is all I can do.  Until they tell me otherwise, I have a job.  If I have to miss so much work in the future that that changes, well it isn't ideal at all but we do have a back up plan in place.  I feel much better about things!