Morning sickness at 25 weeks and maternity leave...

[Bloom]

I'm looking for some advice on whether or not what I propose would be considered reasonable by an employer and how to go about asking for it. So here's the background:

I've had all-day sickness from 7 weeks to present (25 weeks). In total I have had about 4-5 weeks off work due to the nausea/vomiting. Once it started to get controlled with medication (Zofran) at about 17 weeks, I've been able to mostly attend work, though each day is a struggle. Over the past week or so I've felt that the nausea has become worse and although I'm not tired really, I've noticed that if I do too much activity/travelling (just to and from work etc), then the nausea gets worse. I'm also concerned about the possible side effects of the Zofran - I have been on it for a long time now!

I have an OB appointment at the hospital tomorrow and I'm thinking of asking him if I should cut back work. I've already planned to start my maternity leave at 34 weeks (the earliest they will let me access maternity leave). I was thinking of asking to work 4 days a week using a day of annual leave each Wednesday.

1. So is this unreasonable or rude to ask for this (my area is already short staffed and very busy)?

2. And also, do you think I should get a Dr's letter or only if my employer asks for one (note: in my company if a Dr or med cert says you are sick you are not allowed to work even if you get better or feel you can ).

And finally, I guess I'm not actually physically incapable of working 5 days a week, it would just be nicer for me to work 4...

Any advice muchly appreciated.

[Muppity]

I think as an employer I would probably accept a proposal like that.

Lets face it - if you are needing to take time off work anyway - it would be easier for them to have it being predictable time (ie every Wednesday) rather than you calling in sick.

Clearly you are not well and it should be obvious to all around you as well.

I think that I would probably speak to the Obs and see what they say and then have a chat with your boss.

Good luck - and hope that the Ms magically disappears soon.

[tk1999]

I work in HR and we do see these requests from time to time - mostly our managers come to us for advice as to what they should do...

If I were advising a manager on your situation I would suggest to them that it would be beneficial to them to allow you to reduce your hours to 4 days per week so that they can plan around your days off rather than having unpredicted absences.

My HR role would then also require me to ensure that the employee had sufficient leave to cover the period and if not ensure that the employee knew of this before hand.

HTH - all the best with your manager and employer

[DoubleK]

i would imagine if you have enough annual leave days, it should be ok, like tk1999 said, if they know you wont be there on wednesdays, they could get someone else in and work would get done!

i can relate to the morning sickness thing. i finished up work at about 27 weeks (i was only casual in a take away shop) because i just couldnt cope. we are now so horribly broke, becasue i thought i would last longer at work.

it cant hurt to try. i would say speak to your doc, if you have a supporting letter, it might help your case!

GL!

[Me+him+bub]

RUTH!!!! i was wondering how u are going! im on the zofran too on and off it doesnt help me though and im still vomiting daily! its awful isnt it! and i see we are both having boys too! i was also on maxalon and the two combined hasnt affected bubs at all. i dont have much advice about work as i ma student but i hope it works out for you and we miss you in the preg after LTTTC!!!

[farmgirl77]

Hi Ruth,
Hope that you have gone well in your negotiations. I think that if you present a resonable case, and have the leave owing, and advice from a medical person, then you should be able to negotiate a good arrangement.

I just organised for a girl working for me to reduce her daily hrs as she was having trouble coming in by 9, and by 4pm is looking very tired and ill - and taking public transport when it is crowed is a real struggle for her due to her MS. We have arranged that she will take the balance of her days hrs as sick leave, and we will review the situation every fortnight. I have also stopped her undertaking any long distance travel by herself as I was afraid that the MS was keeping from getting enough sleep and that her driving by herself while tired posed an unacceptable OH&S risk.

I think that if you are also willing to review the situation freqently so that your mgr knows how you are travelling, then it is a bonus. Also, is it an option for you to do any work from home? If so, would that help.

Good luck and really hope you MS improves soon!
FG