ok this is kind of about work but kind of related to pregnancy as well .... i'm not sure how to handle it and i'd appreciate thoughts ....
so i am training and my line manager and training course staff know that i am pregnant, however i am on a placement somewhere different and the people there don't, my supervisor there (who appraises my work and says whether i pass or fail the placement) is away and i've planned to tell her and work out any risk assessments etc as soon as she's back next week.
she (my supervisor) works 7am-3pm and takes no breaks (!) I work 9-5 with a 1/2 hour lunch break. next week she has booked in some intensive assessment clinics which I am to sit in on and join in with, then I might carry on seeing some of the people that come. she's booked them in solidly for 4 days, one after the other with no breaks, between 9 and 3, and is expecting me to be there for the whole thing. which is fine ... except, currently I am needing to wee at least once an hour (!), I get very thirsty and need to drink a LOT of water (she barely drinks anything), and if I don't eat something every few hours I start to feel dizzy and weak, like my blood sugar is dropping.
so, my thoughts are really, do I ask her if I can miss one of the assessments every day so I can have a break for food? or just try to rush to the loo / gulp water / mouthfuls of snacks in between, although I might not get the opportunity?

I'm probably worrying over nothing and if I tell her she might be okay about me missing the odd one to have a break but I am kind of concerned that she might not see me as being super keen / conscientious etc. Also I know that it's only a week for me and some people have to work like that all the time! I've just been worrying about how I'm going to cope with it ....

I'd tell her, she's a woman so chances are she'll be sympathetic to your situation. I'd tell her how you feel pregnant and what you need, then see how she responds. You could bring a snack to the meeting, go get water, or pee, whenever the chance arises but ask for her understanding as this is a must. I'm sure there will be no problem, she will probably feel comforted knowing you trusted her with such information- and who knows, maybe a "bond" will form!!

thanks irishbaby i'm hope you're right, i'm worried because she has a fearsome reputation for being very 'forthright' and 'straight' and not very patient or understanding even with clients (like 'they just want to come and whinge and waste our time' when we're supposed to be trying to help them!!)

yeah but thats clients... work... so different. I am fierce at work and sometimes people would call me a bitch even... ... and I'm proud of the way I handle myself at work, cause I know how to do my job- take pride in it- and I'm passionate with what I do. But when it comes to my direct reports telling me personal issues, I'm a softie... I'm sure she will have a softer spot about it. I can't see anyone giving you grief over something so petty!! Especially since pregnancy is something very common that many women experience and have a really rough time with. Where you aren't looking for any special treatment, but rather understanding... it should be easily obtained, I 100% can't see anything but that taking place!

Ye def tell her asap. Legally ur entitles to 15 mins break every 4 hours u work and 20 mins for 6 hours and 1/2 hour food break for 9 hours. U are also entitled to go to the loo when u wish! She will prob have had other people pregnant before and should be sympathetic to ur loo needs! Pregnant or not u are entitled to breaks.

Yes, tell her! She cannot actually refuse you a break, even if she doesn't take one that's her choice not yours! (She's actually breaking the law so by forcing you to do the same, that's even worse!)

I'm sure she'll be fine with you though. Just explain and take plenty of biscuits!

ya u should atleast talk to her...hopefully she il understand ur problem...be positive..

Also... if you don't tell her you're pregnant and don't ask for breaks but then get sick/dizzy during an assessment, she could complain that you were being irresponsible in not telling her. Basically, you'll be covering yourself by telling...

As the other ladies said, do tell her about your pregnancy.