Still functioning at work during the first trimester...

SuriGirl14 · June 2015

I am almost 6 weeks pregnant and am finding myself completely overwhelmed by fatigue and nausea these days. Obviously, there is no sick leave at work, so I am trying to stay productive, since I can't just get up and leave... How do you handle these awful symptoms in front of a boss and co-workers who have no idea you are pregnant? Any tips? Thank you!

kayjay44 · June 2015

I told my boss for this reason. I'm not expecting a pass or anything, but I want them to know what is up. I figure, if something goes wrong and this isn't a viable pregnancy, I'm going to have to tell them anyway. It's easier to do that now.

Honestly, being at work is easier than being home with my toddler, so I'm pretty grateful that I get to come to work and sit down.

What do you do that you don't have sick leave? That sounds horrible.

funkypineapple · June 2015

I also told my boss for the reasons @magnumJ said. Which I'm glad I did since I had to duck out after an hour to go to an appointment earlier.

We also don't get sick leave. If we go home sick we're allowed to make so much time up or we have to take PTO. It sucks.

tmcutter · June 2015

i was thinking the same thing this while in the bathroom at work. I have told anyone at work about this pregnancy. I currently go to another floor to use the bathroom. That is pretty empty so I dont have to worry about anyone coming in hearing. We dont have sick but we go have PTO and I am allowed to make up anytime I missed.

jennpar21 · June 2015

I told my boss/co-workers right away, just seemed easier and I had 4 appointsment with a 2 week span they would have been asking probably anyway.

kayjay44 · June 2015

I didn't realize so many people don't have sick leave... We do, but it is lumped in with our vacation for general PTO time. I think it's only 5 days a year, so it's not much.

MamaFroFro · June 2015

According to my time tracker, I've gotten 16 minutes of actual work done today. I don't have sick leave either and am paid commission on projects so I'm just screwed. Unisom + b6 was helping me but I tried to cut back to see if I could get by on less frequent doses. Well I can't. Good luck to you, I'd recommend you talk to your doc though.

NoelBird · June 2015

It's hard, I'm not telling work til 12 weeks so I try and do what I can to minimize what other people can see. I snack all day to keep my nausea in check. Luckily I don't work at the same location as my supervisor so there isn't anyone monitoring my productivity.

bredoll · June 2015

I'm usually ok at work, getting home and having to study however is another story. I have my (FX) last test for the CPA on 7/31 and I am no where near where I need to be and I haven't studied since last Wednesday...and I won't be studying tomorrow or Wednesday of this week either. If I don't get some motivation this won't be my last test.

AmanduhE · June 2015

Has anyone gotten FMLA? I plan to ask my doctor at my appt, I really don't want to use my paid time for 1 hour appts here and there for the next 7 1/2 months. I have sick time but if it's not planned I basically get written up for using it, weird right?

kayjay44 · June 2015

AmanduhE said:

Has anyone gotten FMLA? I plan to ask my doctor at my appt, I really don't want to use my paid time for 1 hour appts here and there for the next 7 1/2 months. I have sick time but if it's not planned I basically get written up for using it, weird right?

I save my FMLA for maternity leave. I do know some women who have been forced to take it earlier, but it's usually for bed rest or other medical reasons.

You should be able to ask your HR department about this without penalty and they are bound by confidentiality.

pbtoast · June 2015

I had to tell a few close coworkers for this reason. I obviously chose people I trust but I needed someone to understand when I shut myself in my office, can't eat, and just want to cry because I'm so miserable and nauseous. In a more practical sense, lemon water has been my savior. I sip it all day, suck on hard candies, and eat small bland snacks (saltines, toast, etc.) Thinking of you!

snarky14jd · June 2015

Oh I've been dying to tell everyone so they understand my mood swings (haha) and I complain about nausea! Haha

My manager knows and she's great about me taking time here or there for an appointment. I just hope to use my toddler as an excuse to leave early and no one know any different.

name1109 · June 2015

Work wise I started eating Saltines and they really helped but I also heard that for nausea you can try "Preggy Pops": https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/preggie-pops-morning-sickness-relief/ID=prod3134001-product.

If that doesn't work, I told my bosses early on so they understood.

Blinggal24 · June 2015

I told my boss and team after my first appointment. I overslept one day by mistake and it just spilled out lol. They are all very excited for me and it makes work easier to be honest.

Erinka · June 2015

I am def not telling work until 12 weeks. Great boss, great workplace. But I'm an upper manager who hasn't been there a year yet. Plus I've had 2 mc in the past 7 mo. I don't need folks at working knowing right now until everything is good to go. Also I heard from our personnel dept that FMLA needs to be used continuously, not a few hours/days here and there.

bredoll · June 2015

Here is the FMLA website: https://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/

GeeFlint · June 2015

I spilled the beans at work as well. I have been feeling horrible in the mornings plus I miscarried in April so I don't want to seem lazy when I'm just taking it easy.

kayjay44 · June 2015

Erinka said:

Also I heard from our personnel dept that FMLA needs to be used continuously, not a few hours/days here and there.

I don't think that's true. You have a year to use up your FMLA once you start using it. I used mine for things like doctor's appointments and sick days for the baby. But it could be that your employer gets to set those policies. I'm not sure.

tmcutter · June 2015

Ditto

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