How much time off did you have to take for morning sickness, doctors appts, etc?

[amldaley]

It seems I am taking at least 4 hours each week off for either not feeling well or doctors appointments. I am home this morning. Miserably unwell. I actually fell asleep and did not even realize it until I awoke 45 minutes later. I am out of sick time at work and now going in to vacation hours. I allowed to make time up within that one week, but it's hard to do lately.

If you WOH, how much time off have you had to take for pregnancy related issues?

[lizzywednesday]

I was miserable during my 1st trimester due to morning sickness and exhaustion.

However, there's a provision in the leave policy called "intermittent leave" at my company that allowed me to protect my job and still get to doc visits and such, even while expending PTO days. (It also guaranteed leave days once PTO was exhausted.)

I get 28 PTO days per year, and probably used 14-17 due to morning sickness and doc visits after 20 weeks, when DD's heart defect was first diagnosed.

I beleive the intermittent leave was covered under FMLA, so if that's an option for you, please consider applying!

[janine]

I was lucky in that with both pg's my MS was limited - nausea and tiredness but nothing debilitating. I did not take any time off. Went to dr. appts during lunch hours. I think I came in late once or twice (for big u/s and sugar test).

In your case maybe speak with your manager so they can maybe work something out? I know it's tough in the beginning when most of us like to keep it quiet but it's good to have at least one person know so there is some understanding.

[amldaley]

I am permitted the time off - but not without alot flack. I have been reminded time and time again how much I am out of my office. I am solely responsible for my work, there is no one to pick up slack or cover for me. When I am not there, it just stacks up. But I work for the gov't, so they're not about to tell me "no". I am eligible for FMLA, etc but that doesn't mean that it makes being out of the office easier, just possible.

I just wondered if I was taking more time off than the average person. And I guess I am out even more with seeing a 2nd OB (MFM) and for allergist and DD's appointments as well. It just seems to be I am out ALL the time lately! Even wondering if I should just start going in even when I feel wretched b/c at least I am there.

[BabyBearsMom]

In my first trimester, I missed maybe 3 hours total. I didn't have bad morning sickness, and when I did, I just muscled through it at work and puked as discretely as possible. I missed 1 hour for my blood test, 1 hour to go to an appointment at 6 weeks because I was spotting and 1 hour to go to my 8 week check up. I always schedule my appointments for 8am or 5pm so I only miss an hour.

[janine]

I am permitted the time off - but not without alot flack. I have been reminded time and time again how much I am out of my office. I am solely responsible for my work, there is no one to pick up slack or cover for me. When I am not there, it just stacks up. But I work for the gov't, so they're not about to tell me "no". I am eligible for FMLA, etc but that doesn't mean that it makes being out of the office easier, just possible.

I just wondered if I was taking more time off than the average person. And I guess I am out even more with seeing a 2nd OB (MFM) and for allergist and DD's appointments as well. It just seems to be I am out ALL the time lately! Even wondering if I should just start going in even when I feel wretched b/c at least I am there.

Well I guess the honest answer is you are taking more time off than others have in the first trimester, or at least I did (I have a DD as well). But that doesn't mean it's not necessary since we are all different (ie if you physically are not able to go in, getting sick and doc appts cannot be schduled around lunch/before work).

[lizzywednesday]

...

I just wondered if I was taking more time off than the average person. And I guess I am out even more with seeing a 2nd OB (MFM) and for allergist and DD's appointments as well. It just seems to be I am out ALL the time lately! Even wondering if I should just start going in even when I feel wretched b/c at least I am there.

When you're considered "high risk", it's tougher.

After DD's heart defect was diagnosed, in addition to standard OB appointments, I had pediatric cardiologist visits to schedule as well. It stunk.

The only good thing about switching to a regional surgical center from the original hospital where I'd planned to deliver was that they had MFM specialists in the same place as the pediatric cardiologists we were working with to monitor DD's condition.

I also lucked out with a lot of things and could work from home for an hour or two before heading to our longer appointments at the hospital because I have a position that doesn't require me to be physically in the office.

[WolfpackMom]

Honestly if I didnt work from home I probably would have had to take an extended leave of absence or have been fired. I was so, so sick I didnt get out bed for days at a time the first 20 weeks. It was terrible. Thats actually one of my big worries and something Ive had to think about a lot lately. I was thinking about changing jobs, but if I want to have another I just dont think I can in case the morning sickness and headaches are as bad.
Then again, I know me, and even if I were feeling wretched, if I had to go in I would. And I would puke while I was there. Im kind of a work a holic though...

[lizzywednesday]

... And I would puke while I was there. Im kind of a work a holic though...

I puked at work a total of once.

Then I was out the next 2 days.

It's not worth it.

[WolfpackMom]

I puked at work a total of once.

Then I was out the next 2 days.

It's not worth it.

Im not saying she should do it, Im sure its not worth it. Im just saying what I know I would end up doing. Some people's work enviornments are just that cut throat. I worked while I was in labor - certainly dont think it was a good idea after the fact but during I had to get stuff cleaned up for while I was going to be out!