Hi all. I haven't been posting much lately, things have been really rough the past few days. Things aren't going anywhere near according to plan with the pregnancy, and I'm basically waiting (on pins and needles) to make sure everything's ok. The short version: baby measured really small, like weeks small, at the U/S I had the other day. However, they drew my betas again, and they went up to ~15k (from about 3k two weeks prior). I'm still having symptoms and everything, and my numbers clearly show me getting "more pregnant." My doctor said she's "cautiously optimistic," but I'm still pretty terrified. I should know one way or the other after the next U/S. Which feels forever away.
I'm not religious, but any happy thoughts, good vibes, or whatever, you might want to send my way would be incredibly appreciated. (Alternatively, I'd accept "my baby measured early and came out just fine!" stories
To make things worse, I've had another big stress come up. My job is likely not willing to accommodate the (temporary) restriction my doctor has put into place, and is considering termination. I know it is illegal to fire someone for being pregnant. My understanding is that it is just as illegal to fire someone for a pregnancy-related complication. But because I can not fulfill my job requirements (there's only one thing in the requirements I am currently unable to do) they think they can fire me.
Any lawyers/law-savvy folks out there who can give me some advice? Particularly those familiar with WA labor laws? (Feel free to PM me so we don't hash it out in such a public forum)
I know I'm pretty knew here, and you guys don't know me all that well, and vice versa, but I reach out to you in the hopes that some day soon I will be in a better place, where I don't have to worry so much about my baby, or my job, and can give back to this lovely online community.
*Also, if anybody I know professionally happens to stumble across this, and figure me out, please understand I just want to protect myself, and know what my rights are.*
Re: Need a little advice
First, big hugs and prayers to you.
Second, my understanding of WA law is that if disabled, they have to make a "reasonable accomodation" to you to continue your job duties. If there is no accomodation possible, they can terminate your position. Is this one duty really the crux of your position? Is there nothing of value you could contribute to the company while on restrictions? And, do you have a union or HR department? I would figure out those answers and if you have HR or a union, go straight to them for guidance.
Photo by J Shelton Photography
Married 10/5/08 | 2 yrs of TTC, tests, procedures & a m/c | IVF #2 =James!
Wow, that sounds like a lot of stress and a lot of worry for you, I'm so sorry.
I had to go out on short-term disability while I was pregnant because the stress of my job sent me into pre-term labor. If your office isn't willing to accomodate your needs to restricted work (shorter schedule, etc) then I highly suggest speaking with your doc and having her write you out on bedrest. Once I told my doc about the circumstances of my job, she wrote me out on bedrest for 3 weeks, and then wrote a note that I was only allowed to work 40 hours per week once I returned. Don't be afraid to ask your doc for what you need for work. And if you have an HR office, speak directly with them.
https://www.lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/LeaveBenefits/FamilyCare/Maternity/default.asp
https://www.hum.wa.gov/FAQ/FAQPregnancy.html
https://www.growingfamilybenefits.com/washington_pregnancy_disability_leave
So with my first baby I went in and had a u/s at 7 weeks and they told me the hb was way too slow around 40 and that I was probably going to miscarry. Well that baby is now 4 years old and perfect! With my 2nd they told me my beta was a bfn and then 2 weeks later I took another test and it was a bfp. He also measured small through most of my pregnancy and is now a healthy 8 mo old.
Ok the legal stuff. Have you given your work a letter from your OB stating that your health requires you don't do certain things or what you need? I gave my work that, of course they fired me 3 days later but I ended up suing them. I have a great employment atty if your interested. Be sure you get things in email and that you forward those emails to a personal account so you have a record of anything