in July 2025 Babies 🇬🇧

Work life struggles & pregnancy

I am 23 weeks pregnant so have roughly 16 weeks left and I’m really struggling to handle this work life whilst being pregnant I am in pain most the days I need to go in, walking and standing makes it worse for me and unfortunately I don’t not live local to where I work. My work is also a highly active job as a bartender I’m always having to be on my feet. My managers have been so considerate giving me the lightest duties they have including hosting on weekends but I’m still facing the same complications. Is there any advice anyone can give me to help cope through these last few months of work. Has anyone else faced difficulties with work and how they overcame it? Thank you 🙏🏼

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That does sound difficult. Ur work place should have done a pregnancy risk assessment where you can discuss all your struggles & they can make adaptations to the role. Also you can go off at like 30 weeks and begin your maternity leave early. I had to begin mine early as work, looking after a 2 year old with being pregnant was no joke x also use annual leave up x

I’ve had risk assessments done everything has been ticked off that I can’t do which is why I’m hardly ever serving on the bar they allow me to sit and relax when needed but my struggle is getting to work the travel can be stressful sometimes. I have asked to give me earlier shifts as it’s worse of an evening but that hasn’t been done yet so may need to raise this issue again. I just want to make it through until May that’s when I plan to use my holidays and start my maternity. Also My maternity pay is based off an 8 week period so whatever I earn within them 8 weeks determines my SMP and I want to earn as much as possible so I’m not struggling for the year off. Just wish there was an easier way to get through it all or the pain I get wasn’t as bad.

Could you go off sick for a week or two if you are struggling & in pain with it then maybe they will suddenly sort your shift pattern out to accommodate as surely they would rather you be in than not. Got to think of yourself & baby

I have already had 3 weeks off I’ve only been back for 2 weeks so was trying to avoid more sick time off. If nothing else works then it may be my only options but would like to avoid as the pay isn’t great and will affect my maternity pay as my SMP is based off a 8 week period.

Try talk to right person about the shifts and explain the struggle for you. It’s really hard I get it I’ve struggled in the past with my employer about getting things resolved & must be so tough that line of work whilst pregnant. I’m glad they’ve amended your role for you tho!

I will talk to my manager again and push for earlier shifts the late shifts are a bit too much. My sister thinks the pain is due to the weight I’m carrying and is pulling in my muscles I’ve got a pregnancy belt to try help but I haven’t found it to be helpful

I swear by nice warm baths I do. Sorts my aches pains and digestion issues out. All the best with it x