How do you hide your symptoms??

[Meg86]

Hi,

I'm just wondering how people hide their symptoms from friends and work colleagues? I'm lucky because I'm working from home today so no one will have spotted me having my first bout of morning sickness (I'm only 5 weeks - is that too early??). But I also have a headache and am completely shattered. I do have to travel a lot for my job and spend long times in meeting rooms either one-to-one or in large groups. How are you managing to keep people from guessing? This is our first and I am quite nervous about it all so really don't want people to guess.

Thanks in advance!
Mx

 

[Melly41]

I reckon 5 weeks is fairly normal to start having MS. I hope its short lived for you. Its tricky re: work. We are not telling work till after 12 wk scan and im worried i will show before then as this will be my third! I dont have MS (didnt with previous two). But ive heard eating little and often and drinking regularly can help reduce symptoms. Maybe sit next to an open window or try taking some deep breaths. If you feel really nauseous, you might have to say you need the loo! When are you planning on telling work?

 

[Charlotte9]

It's hard to hide but I just keep them to myself. I have heartburn and it affects my mood a lot.

Try a small toast first thing in the morning. It will help you feeling better. x

 

[Meg86]

I reckon 5 weeks is fairly normal to start having MS. I hope its short lived for you. Its tricky re: work. We are not telling work till after 12 wk scan and im worried i will show before then as this will be my third! I dont have MS (didnt with previous two). But ive heard eating little and often and drinking regularly can help reduce symptoms. Maybe sit next to an open window or try taking some deep breaths. If you feel really nauseous, you might have to say you need the loo! When are you planning on telling work?

Thanks both - that is helpful. I've just managed a little toast. Not taken anything for my headache though... want to avoid it if I can.

Melly - not sure when to tell work just yet. I'm not thinking that far ahead at the moment. I think I'll have a more serious think about it if/when I get to 12 weeks (I have severe PCO so I know my chances or MC are higher than normal).

Mx

 

[mylullaby]

You just have to put on an act - pretend you're fine/full of energy, etc then you crash as soon as you're behind closed doors! Keep a little stash of cereal bars around you - in your car, desk, or wherever and get used to snacking discreetly - it usually helps with the nausea even when you don't feel like you want to eat. It won't last forever (even though it feels like it will at the time). I also find that when I'm distracted (eg in a meeting with work colleagues or whatever) it helps me to forget about the sickness, so you might have found that you're noticing the symptoms more because you're at home alone and are "allowing" yourself to notice them if that makes sense? Sometimes getting out and about and being around people all day can actually help. Congratulations by the way! xx

 

[Melly41]

Dry crackers are always good too! We are waiting to 12 wks too as my chances of mc are high as im 42. Hope it eases for you x

 

[Meg86]

Great! Thanks for the advice - I think I was sat at home thinking about how I felt so fingers crossed I won't embarrass myself in any meetings!! Will stock up on snacks. Feeling much better now, it only lasted for a few hours and I was only sick once so that is good.

Melly- keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you, it makes it so stressful knowing you're in the higher risk bracket. I am so reluctant to get excited but i can't help it then I feel bad for getting excited!!

X

 

[Lander]

I understand not wanting to tell your work yet but employers have s duty of care to you and are meant to carry out risk assessments to ensure the welfare of you and baby.

This is especially important if you work somewhere with a lot of physical stress or you deal with chemicals etc.

Last time I only told my line manager who kept it all between us as he also knew my miscarriage history. HR were oblivious until 11wks. They were shocked as I'd not appeared to have any issues.

I handed my notice in back in May so it's not an issue this time.

Lxx

 

[Meg86]

Thanks Lander - good advice. I think I'll be ok - just the travel I'm a bit concerned about but will see how I get on over the next few weeks. I will talk to my boss if it's too bad. Has anyone tried acupuncture bands (like the seasickness ones)? Hope your doing ok this time round Xx

 

[Muffinski]

Thanks Lander - good advice. I think I'll be ok - just the travel I'm a bit concerned about but will see how I get on over the next few weeks. I will talk to my boss if it's too bad. Has anyone tried acupuncture bands (like the seasickness ones)? Hope your doing ok this time round Xx

Where do you normally have to go for work Meg? Is it short haul or long haul flights?

 

[firstfreakout]

When I found out I was pregnant (at 3 weeks mind you!) I had to tell my work as I work in a very hands on and volatile role with the public. I was immediately put on a desk role at my request which obviously brought some attention with it as in our job people don't just go on light duties without reason. I told people I had an issue with my back and was awaiting a scan at the doctor to determine if there's an injury.

I was lucky in that I didn't have much morning sickness but I did have pretty horrible exhaustion to begin with. I had sugary drinks and sucking candies and dry type biscuits with me / at my desk a lot which I'm sure people guessed but no one said anything to my face though. If they did comment I just told them pain meds for my back were making me sleepy lol.

I did find that travelling in (I had an hour travel on a tram and a tube to get to work) I would have to get off transport halfway because I was going to vomit or pass out, as I was getting pretty horrible motion sickness throughout the whole first and second tri, and I made sure my line manager knew I was pregnant so if I was late it was accommodated for.

I would say for morning sickness make sure you're snacking regularly, and first thing upon waking (keep some crackers or dry foods by your bed) and that things like lucozade sport and squash will be your friend with the nausea!

If you're getting questions you could always make up a story saying you're anaemic or on meds or have a bug that is affecting how you're feeling/acting? It depends on how much you want to bring attention to it really. Or you could tell them all to shhhhh

Depending on your role though, having one manager or colleague know might be beneficial as not only can they look after you and keep you safe during work, but they can help you with excuses until you're ready for people to know. Also if you need any time off for antenatal or emergency appointments these are legally accommodated for.

Good luck! x