driving in pregnancy

ab7167

when did people stop driving in pregnancy? I'm 20 weeks at the moment, with second child, and am suffering from SPD already (had it in last pregnancy, so was expecting it this time!)

I can do short journeys without a problem, but for work I sometimes need to do 220 mile round trips - not motorway, therefore usually takes 3 hours each way, and sometimes up to 4. In addition, I have to do a full days work - no problem when not pregnant, but finding it a bit difficult now.

The last time I did it, it took me 4 hours to get home, and I could barely get out of the car when I got home, next day couldn't really move properly because of pain in pelvis.

I have told work that I'm not really happy to continue doing this, which they seem to have accepted, but then keep organising meetings for me.

I know I should just put my foot down.... I'm guessing the law protects me in these circumstances - but can they insist it is part of my job? trouble is, that because it is into-london-and-out-again by train, public transport would actually take longer than driving!

I have looked at some options, but advice anyone? OH is NOT happy with this, and keeps threatening to call work and say something, which I have managed to dissuade him from so far! But now I have just had a meeting arranged for next week, and I really don't want to go. Or tell OH that it's been arranged, I'm thinking straws and camels backs...

Trouble is, I love my job! And I really would like to attend the meetings - I know SPD can't really hurt the baby, but it is making me feel rubbish, and I do feel that I am not "really that pregnant", so shouldn't be making a fuss.

Last time the SPD didn't kick in until 30 weeks, and I left work at 33, so there was not really much time where it was a problem. This time, I have had it from 8 weeks, and am planning to work until 38 weeks. Hmmm...

mummy_Jay

I didn't stop driving during pregnancy at all, I almost drove myself to the hospital as my mate who was taking me took far longer than he said and I thought it was just a check up (as it was 5 wks early) but a few hours later their was my DS.

But in your case as you are having difficulties may i suggest you have a word with your midwife, maybe she can put something down in writing for your work explaining the difficulties you are facing.

My other solution is trying putting forward a cost cutting exercise to your work to reduce unecessary travel by using conference calls, web meetings etc. If you put it too them in the right tone it will look like your thinking of the business.

ab7167

I wasn't planning to stop general driving, in and around where I live, as no problems there - it's just the long journeys that are a problem. Last time I drove up until about 20 minutes before contractions started :-) In fact, with the SPD it was really my only way of getting around, as it was too painful to walk anything but the shortest of distances.

The meetings are site specific unfortunatly, so that won't work - I already use conference calling and web broadcasting software where possible, company policy is already quite good in that area.

I am sat here thinking that I will do next weeks, and after that I just won't be able to continue. Conveniently, I have MW appointment the week after, so will get her to put something on paper. I'm also seeing a chiropractor, so I may get her to do me someting as well.

I honestly think that if I actually put my foot down, there will be no issue - they are actually a very good company to work for if you tell them what you want. I'm partially hesitating, because I actually want to attend the meetings...

Rockporkchop

I drove until 32 weeks pregnant with triplets but that was short journeys only, to the local shops etc. I definitely couldn't have managed to drive 220 miles with SPD when 20 weeks pregnant. It's a difficult one though if you enjoy your job. Don't suppose they could supply you with a chauffeur?

Have you seen The Pelvic Partnership website, there are some good ideas and suggestions on there. Maybe you could try physio as well as/instead of the chiropractor.

RLH33

I'm no expert but as part of my maternity pack from work it said in there that as I was pregnant I had to have a risk assessment done by my manager to make sure that my job was still suitable etc. I am pretty sure that this is a statutory requirement so surely your work needs to risk assess you, with your health problems as well as being pregnant, to make sure you are not at risk from the long driving distances and time in the car. If it is found that you, because of your pregnancy and spd, are not capable of driving the long distances then they need to make alternative arrangements for you and your job.

In fact I have just found the following quote from the HSE website:

'Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their female employees from hazards and risks in the workplace and to assess possible risks to new and expectant mothers. If risks are identified then the new or expectant mother is entitled to a change in working conditions, be offered suitable alternative work, or if that's not possible suspended from work on full paid leave for as long as necessary.'

Do some research on the HSE website on this and then present it to your employers to show them that to remind them of their legal responsibility. I would also ring your midwife and discuss this with her sooner rather than later and see if she can give you any further advice.

Chakani

I can't remember at what stage I stopped driving at work - I asked to stop doing journeys of more than 15 minutes when I was more heavily pregnant (big van full of kids and no power steering - definitely no stopping for a wee!). They agreed and added it to my risk assessment but asked me not to drive work vehicles at all, rather than limiting time or distance. I just had to stay in the office and do paperwork instead, and rearranged as many meetings as possible to be in our office, rather than me having to travel.

LJM

i stopped driving very early on approx 24 weeks with my second as i was already big and she was sitting under my rib cage and i found it very uncomfortable to drive especially as im short and have to have the seat right forward

Greener_Grass

I drove myself to hospital at 41 weeks pregnant to have my son :eek: :eek: Was handy having the car there as I drove us both home again too

My OH can drive but hasn't drove since he passed his test 4 years ago so not confident. We had planned to get a taxi but I drove as my waters had broken but no contractions so went to get checked out! This suited me fine I ended up staying as I much preffered driving myself and driving myself home!:p I didn't stop while I was pregnant at all

amilotte

I guess I would say you need to put your foot down with your employers (easier said than done I know). You are protected by law and you need to be thinking selfishly/ sensibly. I too have SPD and after being signed off work with it for two weeks, had to admit defeat and finish work at 33 weeks pregnant (3 weeks a/l to use up luckily). If your planning to work until 38 weeks your going to have to think about making things as easier as possible for yourself.

I'm not sure whether you have seen the Physio, personally I didn't find it particularly helpful but they may suggest something. I have heard only positive reviews re chiropractors so this may be a better avenue to go down (I have been reluctant due to the cost) as according to the pelvic partnership it can be improved.

It's not an easy one re employers but I found that I got no thanks for struggling through and realised I had to put myself first. The thing is its not as easy as when its your first pregnnacy and can relax when you get home!!

ab7167

I finished at 33 weeks the first time because of the SPD - was supposed to be working to 38 weeks that time as well....

I have organised that the journey next week will be shared, so I only have to do half the driving, and have said that I will not do it again. I will probably get a letter from my MW to confirm that I should not be driving long distances any more.

I saw a Physio first time round, did no good whatsoever. Luckily, I was already seeing a chiropractor for neck and back injuries sustained in a car accident when I fell pregnant. They took such good care of me throughout the pregnancy, I'm sure it's the only reason I stayed on my feet until the end! I am, however, very lucky to work in the same town as a training college so they only charge £21 per session (they are trainees, but supervised and they are in their final year). Work have also agreed that I can have paid time off to go, as it is recognised ante-natal care.

I have decided that I have to accept that I will have to hand over the job requiring the driving to someone else - there are plenty of other jobs to do, we are lucky to not be short of work at the moment, so I think it is just a case of reorganising within the department, my line manager is going to look at this and re-jig. He would much rather I stayed on my feet and at work, I think!

Thanks for all the advice, I'm not good at making sure I look after myself first, nor am I very good at sitting down and relaxing and letting other people look after me! I think that is going to have to change, am increasingly sore and achy (painful today, for some reason)

Onwards and inwards!

emlou2009

say the midwife has said you shouldnt drive such long distances due to an increased risk of DVT when pregnant from sitting still so long in my experience, employers are so scared of doing the wrong thing in case you sue them that they believe anything to do with pregnancy lol!