Work trip at 30 weeks

Susanrush13 · March 2014

Hey!

So I know we discussed flying while pregnant but this question is more than flying and just seeking some input. I'm supposed to take a 5hr flight next week to work a conference that requires 12-14hr work days for 5 days. I did this, although the flight wasn't as long, 3 weeks ago and it totally wiped me out, and at a time where I already am so exhausted that I'm in bed whenever I can get there early enough, I'm worried about the intense work schedule.

This would be my last big conference for work at a job that I strongly dislike and plan on not returning to after maternity leave. I've been so stressed out at work that at my OB appt yesterday my BP had a pretty significant spike which I feel might be attributed to that. I also had spotting for 12hrs last friday that my OB is aware of.

Anyways, my OB office isn't the best. I saw my midwife yesterday and she interpreted my fears of this trip as flying jitters, told me to take low dose asprin and left. My bf is upset with me that I didn't just flat out ask for a note to not go on this trip and wants me to call the after hours number this morning and make all this more clear, that the blood pressure that went from 115/75 to 137/88 isn't good, that I've had recent spotting and that I'm overly exhausted, that maybe this work trip shouldn't happen.

I wouldn't lose my job with a dr's note of course, and like I said, I'm not going to be working there anymore after the baby comes anyway. I just feel like given the nature of my OB office she's going to basically tell me to get over it. I'm also super hormonal lately, so I know my OB isn't going to be a total dick, but she's not always been the most sensitive.

Sooooo what would y'all do?

Read247 · March 2014

Ask for the note. If they say no, they say no. But isn't flying a no-no after 28 weeks anyway???

Susanrush13 · March 2014

Read247 said:

Ask for the note. If they say no, they say no. But isn't flying a no-no after 28 weeks anyway???

I think it depends on the practice. Mine doesn't have an issue with it for a few more weeks.

arekeweg · March 2014

Susanrush13 said:

Read247 said:

Ask for the note. If they say no, they say no. But isn't flying a no-no after 28 weeks anyway???

I think it depends on the practice. Mine doesn't have an issue with it for a few more weeks.

My doctor told me I could travel (including flying) up to 34 weeks. Every airline has their own policies as well. Just always check those too.

Susanrush13 · March 2014

Rachel5130 said:
I feel like, by reading your entry, you have already made up your mind. I wouldn't even mention the doctors note to your work. If you get it, great. If not, they can't fire you over that. Just like if you came down with the flu, they wouldn't fire you. Screw them. Don't go if you're uncomfortable with it.

You're right. I guess the only reason why I was stressing about it is my bf and my sister have been particularly vocal at how they don't like me going as much as I don't want to go, but I was going to suck it up best I could. But you're right, I don't feel comfortable going so I don't know why I'm causing more stress than I need to.

eryale · March 2014

Since you're looking for opinions, here's mine: if you strongly dislike this job, the trips wipe you out, you've already experienced likely stress-related symptoms that could put your baby at risk, you're not planning on returning to the job anyway, and it's essentially illegal for them to fire you (note or no note for being pregnant and temporarily unable to perform certain tasks), then why go?! Screw them! This is your baby, your family, your future... Personally, I wouldn't risk those blessings over a lousy job!
And just a little personal background, I left a job of 4 years recently and my health and well-being improved immensely afterwards! Now I'm doing essentially the same job in an insanely supportive environment and loving it! Don't waste your time 'sucking it up' and sacrificing your health or your baby's for this dump!! Even if it translates to a few weeks or months of lost wages, your health and the baby's is so much more important!

mjdavies · March 2014

This is a time to do what's right for your family and to put them before your work. I would definitely not be going. Just tell them you checked with your doctor and she doesn't want you to fly because of some recent issues (you don't have to tell them what those recent issues are even though high BP and bleeding are totally legit). They can't really fire you for a medical condition. Say no to stress! Say no to doing things for a job you don't like.

Susanrush13 · March 2014

Thank you everyone. Y'all have given me a lot of courage this morning.

Susanrush13 · March 2014

Thank you everyone for your input. I don't know why I was letting myself get worked up over it. I called my dr and she wants me to come in to check on some spotting that wasn't addressed on Friday and finished the call with "do you want a note that says you can't go on this trip bc we can do that." I guess I just needed fellow pregnant comrades so thank you!

BabyCurtiss2014 · March 2014

This is a no brainier to me...ask for the note and skip the trip! GL!

abastian00 · March 2014

Agreed with all the PPs and just want to add one thing - I'm no medical professional, but isn't aspirin a no-no when pregnant? I would double check on this...

Susanrush13 · March 2014

abastian00 said:
Agreed with all the PPs and just want to add one thing - I'm no medical professional, but isn't aspirin a no-no when pregnant? I would double check on this...

I thought so too but she said low dose was okay. I didn't take it yet and she gave me a note so I won't have to,

SarahSmile01 · March 2014

I'm also supposed to go on a work trip (I'll be 33 weeks) however mine is a convention in Vegas and will be part vacay for my husband and I and my Dr still warned me against it. He said if I drive or fly anywhere I need to make sure to get up and stretch my legs at least every hour because blood clots are common later in pregnancy. I am high risk so maybe that makes the difference, but I really find it hard to believe that your doctor would encourage you to go with your latest symptoms and given the stress. Definitely skip it!

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Work trip at 30 weeks

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