Pregnancy and Work: How to Manage Sick Days and Appointments

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also bring challenges – especially when you're balancing work commitments with your health and doctor visits. Many expectant mothers worry about taking time off for morning sickness, fatigue, prenatal appointments, or other pregnancy-related needs. The good news is that in Australia you have rights and options to help you manage these absences. In this supportive guide, we'll explain how to handle sick days and medical appointments during pregnancy while staying on good terms with your employer. We'll also show how services like NextClinic can make it easier, with convenient options like getting a medical certificate online or a quick prescription refill without leaving home. Let's dive in!

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Sick Leave for Pregnancy-Related Illness

It’s common to experience pregnancy-related ailments – from morning sickness and nausea to back pain or exhaustion. Pregnant employees are entitled to use sick leave for pregnancy-related conditions just as they would for any other illness. While pregnancy itself isn’t an “illness,” if you’re unwell because of your pregnancy, it counts as a valid reason to take personal sick leave​. In Australia, full-time employees accumulate paid personal/carer’s leave (sick leave) – typically 10 days per year – which can be used when you’re ill. This means if you wake up too sick with morning sickness to work, you can absolutely take a sick day and use your accrued leave. The usual sick leave conditions apply, so you should follow your normal workplace procedure for calling in sick​.

Don’t hesitate to prioritize your health. Taking care of yourself during pregnancy isn’t just okay – it’s important for you and your baby. Australian law protects you from being treated unfairly for taking legitimate sick leave due to pregnancy. For example, your employer cannot fire or penalize you simply because you took time off for pregnancy-related illness – that would be pregnancy discrimination, which is unlawful​. If you’ve properly used your sick leave entitlements, you are doing the right thing.

Do I need a medical certificate for pregnancy sick days? Many employers require a doctor's certificate (medical certificate) if you are off sick, especially for more than a day or two in a row. Some workplaces even ask for one for a single day absence, depending on their policy. Be aware of your company’s rules – usually outlined in your contract or employee handbook. If you’re out for only a day with something like mild morning sickness, your boss might not always request a certificate, but if the sick days add up or if they have a strict policy, you should be prepared to provide one.

Getting a doctor’s note when you feel awful can be tough – the last thing you may want is to sit in a clinic waiting room. This is where telehealth can be a lifesaver. These days you can obtain a doctor's certificate online via services like NextClinic. NextClinic offers online medical certificates for 1-day or 2-day sick leave, issued by Australian-registered doctors after a quick video consultation. It’s a convenient option if you’re too unwell to travel. You can rest at home and still get a proper medical certificate online to send to your employer. The certificate you receive through NextClinic is just as valid as one from an in-person GP, and it provides the evidence your workplace may need for your sick leave.

If you have used up all your paid sick leave and still need time off due to a pregnancy-related illness, you have a few options. You might discuss taking some of your annual leave days to cover the absence, or, if necessary, take unpaid leave. In cases of more serious or extended pregnancy-related illness, you may be eligible for unpaid special maternity leave​. Special maternity leave is a type of leave you can take when you can’t work because of a pregnancy complication or illness (or if the pregnancy ends unexpectedly). The important thing about special maternity leave is that if you’re eligible, it does not reduce your standard maternity leave – it’s an extra protection in the Fair Work Act. To take it, you usually need to notify your employer as soon as possible and provide a medical certificate as evidence of the necessity. This is something to keep in mind if, for example, you develop a condition that forces you to start leave earlier than planned. Always communicate with your employer about what’s going on and provide any required doctor’s notes. Remember, your job is protected while you are on valid leave. If you ever feel you’re being treated unfairly for taking sick leave during pregnancy, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice or the Australian Human Rights Commission for support – it’s illegal for workplaces to discriminate against you for being pregnant or taking leave you’re entitled to​.

Quick tip: Keep track of your sick leave balance and any medical certificates. It helps to plan ahead. If you know certain pregnancy symptoms tend to flare up, you might preemptively discuss flexible options with your manager (more on that later). And if you need a day off on short notice, inform your employer as early as you can on that day. Good communication builds trust that you’re acting responsibly.

Taking Time Off for Prenatal Appointments

Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll have regular prenatal appointments – check-ups with your GP or midwife, obstetrician visits, ultrasounds, blood tests, childbirth classes, and so on. In fact, most women can expect quite a few visits. (The Royal Women’s Hospital notes you might have around 7 to 12 appointments during your pregnancy, with visits becoming more frequent in the later months as your due date nears.) That’s a lot of scheduling to juggle, and inevitably some appointments will fall during work hours.

You might be wondering, “Am I allowed time off work for all these prenatal appointments?” The reality is that under Australian law, there isn’t a special separate leave type specifically for antenatal or prenatal appointments. You are not automatically entitled to extra time off for pregnancy-related appointments by law, but in practice most employers let you attend these important medical visits by using your existing leave entitlements or other arrangements​. Here’s how you can manage it:

• Use sick leave or personal leave: Many workplaces treat prenatal medical appointments as a valid reason to use your personal (sick) leave. Some awards or company policies explicitly allow this. Essentially, it’s as if you are “sick” for a portion of the day to attend a medical appointment. Check your employment agreement or ask HR if uncertain. If it’s allowed, you can simply put in for a half-day sick leave or whatever duration you need to cover the appointment and travel time. Just like any other sick leave, your employer may ask for evidence – often an appointment slip or a note from the clinic. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor’s office for a short note confirming you were there; they’re used to providing those.
• Schedule smartly: When possible, try to schedule appointments at the very start or end of the workday, or over a long lunch break. For example, an 8 AM doctor visit or a 4:30 PM ultrasound might mean you only miss an hour or two of work. Many medical offices will accommodate your schedule if you explain you’re juggling work. By minimizing disruption, your employer will appreciate that you’re being considerate of work commitments. Of course, this isn’t always feasible – some specialist appointments are fixed – but a bit of planning can go a long way.
• Use other leave or make up time: If you don’t want to use sick leave or you’ve run low on it, you could request to use annual leave for a particular appointment, or even take leave without pay for a few hours. Some understanding bosses might allow you to make up time later (for instance, come in early another day or work a bit later) instead of formally taking leave. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule here – it depends on your workplace culture and how flexible they can be. The key is open communication (we’ll talk more about that soon).
• Combine appointments when you can: As you get into the third trimester, you may have appointments every two weeks, then weekly. If possible, try to group other errands or tests on the same day. For instance, if you’re taking a morning off for a scan, maybe schedule your glucose test or GP follow-up on that same morning. This way you reduce multiple separate absences. Again, this might not always be possible, but it’s worth trying.

Australia’s workplace laws encourage employers to be reasonable when it comes to prenatal appointments. Your boss likely understands that these check-ups are crucial for the health of you and your baby. Still, since there's no separate "antenatal leave" entitlement, it's up to you to use your existing leave or negotiate a solution. If you encounter any difficulty – say your employer is not allowing any flexibility – you can seek guidance from the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Supporting Working Parents website by the Human Rights Commission for clarity on your rights. But in most cases, a respectful conversation does the trick.

How can NextClinic help with appointments? While you generally need to attend your scheduled prenatal visits in person (you can’t exactly do a blood test or ultrasound online!), there are some related tasks that can be handled via telehealth to save you time. NextClinic can support you by providing convenient online services between those in-person check-ups:

• If you need a repeat prescription for a medication you’re already taking (for example, continuing a pregnancy-safe medicine like certain supplements or treatments for nausea), NextClinic offers online prescriptions. A doctor can review your request in a short online consult and send the prescription electronically to your chosen pharmacy. This means you don’t have to take additional time off work to see a GP just to top up a prescription. (Do note that it’s repeat prescriptions only – you must have an existing prescription for that medication from a previous in-person consult. NextClinic won’t start you on a completely new medication, but they can continue one that’s already been recommended to you.)
• If you need to see a specialist (like an obstetrician, endocrinologist, or maybe a physiotherapist for pregnancy-related back pain), you normally require a referral letter from a GP. Instead of booking a GP appointment in person and missing work, you can get an online specialist referral through NextClinic. During a quick telehealth session, the GP can assess your needs and issue a referral letter for the appropriate specialist. This document can then be emailed to you or directly to your specialist. It’s a seamless way to get the paperwork done without the travel and waiting room time.

By using NextClinic for these kinds of needs, you can reduce the number of hours off work you need during pregnancy. Think of it as having a supportive GP “on call” via your computer or phone. It’s one more way to make your pregnancy and work balance a little easier.

Working in the Last 6 Weeks of Pregnancy

As you approach the final stretch of pregnancy, you’ll be thinking about when to start your maternity leave. In Australia, you can typically begin unpaid parental leave up to 6 weeks before your due date (or earlier by agreement with your employer)​. Many women choose to finish work around 34-36 weeks pregnant, but others feel well enough (or need, financially, or prefer) to work closer to their due date. You might plan to work until 38 or 39 weeks – that’s okay as long as it’s safe. However, if you choose to work within the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy, be aware of a special rule: your employer has the legal right to request a medical certificate stating that you are fit to continue working during that period​.

Here’s how it works: Suppose your due date is six weeks from now and you intend to keep working up until two weeks before the due date. Your employer can (and likely will) ask for a clearance from your doctor or midwife once you hit that 6-weeks-to-go mark. The medical certificate should confirm that you are healthy enough to keep working and whether it’s safe for you to perform your normal work duties​. Essentially, the note might say something like “Jane Doe is 35 weeks pregnant and is medically fit to continue her usual work duties until [date].” If there are any restrictions (for example, “she should avoid heavy lifting”), the certificate should mention those too.

Don’t be alarmed by this request – it is standard procedure and doesn’t mean your boss doubts you. Employers have this requirement to ensure the safety of both you and the baby. It’s also peace of mind for everyone that your healthcare provider agrees you can keep working. Plan ahead to get this certificate. Talk to your GP or obstetrician as you enter that last month and let them know you’ll need a "fit for work" letter. They’re very used to providing these for pregnant patients. You’ll likely need to see the doctor around the 34-week mark so they can assess you and issue the note.

What if the certificate says you’re not fit to work, or you don’t provide a certificate at all? In that case, your employer can legally direct you to start your maternity leave early (or take sick leave if you have any left) for the remainder of the pregnancy​. Essentially, if your doctor advises against working or if you simply can’t get the proof of fitness, your employer has to err on the side of caution and have you stop working. This would mean your unpaid parental leave kicks in at that point (earlier than you planned, but necessary for health reasons). If you’re not yet entitled to parental leave (say you haven’t been at the job 12 months), they would likely give you other leave or unpaid time off for that period. The key thing is, it’s about safety – not punishment.

In situations where your doctor says you are fit to work but shouldn’t continue in your current role (perhaps due to hazards in the job), your employer must offer you a safe alternative job or allow you to take “no safe job” leave if no safe duties are available​. For example, if your job involves heavy lifting or exposure to chemicals and it’s deemed unsafe in late pregnancy, they should move you to lighter duties temporarily or give you paid leave for that period. This is another protection under the law. Most desk-based jobs won’t have this issue, but more physical jobs might.

So, to summarize: Yes, you can work up until your due date if you want and if your health allows. Just be ready to get a doctor’s clearance once you’re in the final 6 weeks. And listen to your body – even with a medical certificate saying you’re fit, you can always choose to finish work earlier if you feel you need to rest before baby arrives. It’s a good idea to keep your manager in the loop on your plans as they may need to arrange a replacement or handover for when you do finish (we’ll talk more about planning and communication next).

Communication and Flexibility at Work

The cornerstone of successfully managing pregnancy and work is open communication with your employer. From the moment you feel comfortable sharing your pregnancy news with your boss (the timing of this is a personal choice – many wait until after the first trimester, but legally you just need to give at least 10 weeks’ notice before you intend to take parental leave​), it’s helpful to start a dialogue about what to expect. Here are some tips for keeping communication smooth and setting up flexibility:

• Discuss your needs and schedule early: Once your employer knows you’re pregnant, have a conversation about the coming months. Let them know in general terms that you might have occasional sick days due to pregnancy symptoms, and assure them you will follow normal procedures when that happens. Mention that you’ll have regular prenatal appointments. If possible, give a heads-up about any big appointments you already know (for instance, “In July I’ll have a couple of longer appointments for scans”). You don’t have to give every detail of your medical situation – just communicate enough so they understand there will be some intermittent absences. Most managers appreciate the forewarning so they can plan around team schedules.
• Be open about flexibility options: If you foresee needing adjustments, bring it up proactively. Thanks to modern workplace laws, eligible pregnant employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements. Under the National Employment Standards, if you’ve worked at your job for 12 months or more, you can formally request a change such as adjusted hours, remote work, or other flexibility during your pregnancy​. For example, you might ask to work from home one day a week if commuting is becoming difficult, or shift your hours slightly later if mornings are tough due to nausea. Put any request in writing and explain how the adjustment will help you perform your job. Your employer must consider it and can only refuse on reasonable business grounds. Even if you’re not at the 12-month mark or don’t want to make a formal request, you can still informally negotiate something that works for both of you. Many employers are quite understanding with pregnant staff, especially if you’ve been a reliable employee.
• Keep your employer updated on your health (to a reasonable degree): You don’t need to share private medical details, but if you have a pregnancy complication or a change in how you’re feeling that will affect work, let your manager or HR know. For instance, if your doctor has advised you to avoid heavy lifting or to rest more due to blood pressure, communicate that so your work duties can be adjusted. Employers have a duty to ensure a safe work environment for you during pregnancy​. Often simple adjustments can be made if they know what you need – like providing a stool to sit on, extra breaks to eat snacks (if that wards off nausea), or temporarily shifting some of your more strenuous tasks to other staff.
• Plan your leave and handover: As you get closer to your maternity leave, work out a plan with your employer for your departure. Give the required notice for your parental leave in writing (at least 10 weeks before, as mentioned) if you haven’t already. Discuss your intended last day of work and confirm arrangements for your return (though you can finalize return details later). Importantly, organize a handover for your projects or clients. Perhaps start training a colleague to cover your duties well in advance. A gradual handover means by the last week, you’re not stressed and everything is under control. Employers love to see this kind of preparation – it shows professionalism and helps them manage the transition smoothly. It also reinforces trust, so if you do need a short-notice day off here or there in those final weeks, they know you’ve otherwise got everything handled.
• Be honest and positive: It’s okay to admit to your boss that you’re struggling with fatigue or that you have a lot on your plate preparing for baby. Framing discussions in a solutions-oriented way helps – for example, “I’ve been really exhausted in the afternoons, so I worry I’m not at my best by 4 PM. I was thinking if I could start earlier and finish at 4, I’d get more done when I have energy. What do you think?” This kind of approach acknowledges the issue but also offers a plan. It shows you’re still committed to doing your job well, with just a bit of tweaking. Remember, your employer likely wants to support you – retaining a good employee and following the law is in their interest. By keeping the lines of communication open, you make it easier for them to say “yes” to reasonable requests.

Finally, know your resources. If you’re unsure about your rights at any point, you can look up information on official sites like the Fair Work Ombudsman (for workplace entitlements) or Healthdirect Australia (for general health guidance). Also, Services Australia (Centrelink) has information for expecting parents – for instance, about the government-funded Parental Leave Pay – so that might be part of your planning too. (You can check Services Australia – Having a baby for how to claim payments and the importance of talking to your employer about leave​.) These links provide credible guidance if you need clarity or want to show something to your employer to back up your request.

How can NextClinic support flexibility? NextClinic’s telehealth services can indirectly help you be more flexible at work. If you have a minor concern or need a quick GP consult, you could potentially do a video call during a break or lunch, rather than taking half a day off. By handling certain medical errands online (like getting that online doctor’s certificate or referral we mentioned), you free up more of your work time. It’s all about making life a bit easier during this busy period.

NextClinic: Online Medical Certificates, Prescriptions and Referrals

Navigating work and pregnancy is easier when you have supportive services at your fingertips. NextClinic is one such service – a convenient online clinic for Australians – and it can be a real ally for working parents-to-be. Here’s how NextClinic helps pregnant patients (and anyone who needs quick GP assistance) with minimal disruption to their work day:

• Online medical certificates: Need a day or two off due to a pregnancy sickness bout? NextClinic’s doctors can provide a 1-day or 2-day medical certificate through an online consultation. Getting a medical certificate online means you can obtain the required documentation for your employer without leaving your home. Simply book an appointment on NextClinic’s website, have a video chat with a qualified doctor, and if appropriate, they will email you a signed doctor's certificate online almost immediately. This is perfect for those times you wake up feeling terrible and can’t face a commute, or when your regular GP is booked out but you need that certificate for work.
• Online prescriptions (repeat only): During pregnancy, you might be on regular medications or supplements – for example, iron tablets, thyroid medication, or treatments for conditions like acid reflux. If you run out of a repeat prescription, NextClinic can save you a trip to the GP clinic. They offer online prescription renewals for existing medications. After a quick review of your medical history and needs via telehealth, their doctor can send the prescription to your local pharmacy or via email. You can then pick up your medicine at a time that suits you. This service ensures you stay on track with your treatment without needing to take time off work for a routine script renewal.
• Online specialist referrals: Suppose your pregnancy requires you to see a specialist – perhaps an obstetrician (if you’re not already under one’s care), a pregnancy physio, or a specialist for a related health issue. Normally, you’d have to see a GP in person to get a referral letter. With NextClinic, you can obtain an online specialist referral easily. After discussing your situation in an online consult, the GP can write a referral to the appropriate specialist and send it to you. This way, you can quickly book the specialist appointment without delay. It’s especially handy if you realize you need a referral but can’t get in to see your usual doctor for a week or two; NextClinic can often sort it out within a day. Faster referrals mean you get the care you need sooner, and you won’t have to ask for extra time off just to manage the paperwork.

All of NextClinic’s services are provided by Australian-registered doctors who understand the needs of patients balancing work and health. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible – you can use it from your home, office, or even on the go (perhaps from your car during a lunch break!). Importantly for working women, NextClinic operates outside typical office hours, including evenings and weekends, so you can often schedule an online consult at a time that doesn’t conflict with your 9-to-5 job.

By leveraging a service like NextClinic, you’re essentially adding a layer of support for yourself. It’s like having a GP on call who can issue what you need with minimal fuss. This can reduce stress during pregnancy because whenever something comes up – be it needing a day off or a quick medical question – you have somewhere to turn without derailing your workday.

Friendly reminder: Telehealth is a great supplement to (not a total replacement for) your in-person prenatal care. You should still attend all your scheduled in-person appointments and follow your obstetrician or midwife’s advice. NextClinic just helps with the extras, ensuring you don’t have to overburden yourself when handling the routine health paperwork or minor issues.

Throughout your pregnancy, remember that you’re not alone in trying to juggle work and health. Use the tools, services, and rights available to you – whether that’s leaning on your sick leave entitlements, talking honestly with your employer, or using modern telehealth services to save time. With good communication and the right support, you can focus on staying healthy and preparing for your new arrival, while keeping your career on track.

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Disclaimer

This medical blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your regular doctor for specific medical concerns. The content is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication and may change. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding completeness or reliability. Use the information at your own risk. Links to other websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily representative of any institutions.