coworker causing anxiety

[aruth]

I am a teacher and also about 7-71/2 weeks pregnant. I have had 2 ectopic pregnancies this school year and missed about 3 weeks of work for each one. The past week or so I have been needing to go to the bathroom more frequently. I try to wait but find that that puts me in pain and makes nauseous. I have been asking my neighboring teacher to keep an eye on my class while I run to the bathroom. I am normally gone a min, 2 tops. Yesterday morning I got an email from my dept head about it. The other teacher told her that I am going all the time and taking a really long time. (I ask her maybe twice in a day if that and again take 1-2 min). My dept head went on about how I wasn't being respectful to my fellow teachers or students and if I'm not feeling well I need to call the principal to get a sub. I then noticed she also sent the email to my principal who does my evaluations. I have already been having a lot of anxiety with this pregnancy and when I got this email it sent me into a major anxiety attack. So much so I ended up calling in sick (and when I asked for help with preparing a sub I was told I should have prepared for one the previous day). I feel like I was ambushed, no one came and asked me for my side or anything. I have been trying to let it go but I can't seem to. I emailed her back and told her I only asked 1-2 and was quick and also pointed out I do the same for the other teachers but I got no response. I keep telling myself only 2 more weeks but what am I going to do if I need to go potty? I obviously can't ask the neighbor teacher to watch them. And I really need this anxiety to go away!! I can not function hardly at all...Anyone have any advice? I know they may just be frustrated because I had missed a lot this year and I am looking for a new job, but I still don't think its right. Sorry for the long post...I needed to vent and see if anyone has any advice...

[GigiBella]

Aww..The last thing you need is major stress!. You need ur sick days for maternity leave, shouldnt have to use it for work induced anxiety.  Definitely talk to union rep, schedule a meeting w department head and principal..have your rep present. Save all email correspondence.  Make sure u don't have UTI thats causing u to use the bathroom often.

[aruth]

Thank you all for your comments. My principal, dept head, and neighboring teacher all know that I am pregnant. I think I will start keeping a record of everything if anything just so I can cover my rear. I also think I will talk to our union rep (she stops by every week). In the meantime I'm counting down the days! Lol

[butunknows]

I definitely understand.  I also teach mAth but at high school level. I've decided to stay home next year too nurse or baby because of the same issues you are experiencing. Only thing that works is a doctor's note and keeping a record of when you asked for coverage.  Our union  isn't as  strong as it should be so have your ob sign off that you need potty time.  Unfortunate but when you teach mAth  we are supposed to be super heroes and not human. Good luck!

[knufrio]

Working while being pregnant is hard especially if you're still trying to keep it a secret. I am a nurse and I always felt bad in the early beginning because I'd push shots off on other nurses when I knew the child was gonna fight and kick and potentially cause me harm. Eventually I told a few people I was close to and they helped me out greatly especially as my morning sickness got worse and I was able to do less and less. I'm sorry you have to go through such difficult measures but the best thing is to just be honest with them and they should understand. Most of them probably have children of their own and should be understanding.

[octoberlove7]

I'm sorry to hear your fellow teacher is not so helpful! Can try doing a class rest room break  that way you can go and any students can as well? On a positive note. Congratulations your going to be a mommy!! I hope you can put this stress behind you and find peace in this blessing soon! Good luck 2 weeks and counting! Lol

[elvendork]

talk to your union rep

[Chech333]

The only answer I can think of is just letting them know what your situation is & hope they'll eat their words and be more understanding. Good luck... I'm sorry you're dealing with that!

[mitch_14]

This is one of the reasons I always told my employers right away when I was pregnant so they would understand when I had to go to the bathroom a lot. I always have issues with extreme vomiting. Hope you work it out

[aruth]

I teach 7th grade math

[ericatoday]

How old are your students?

I'm sorry the other teacher is so rude. I don't see why the teacher has such an issue with it.