You have the right to paid time off for antenatal care, and your employer must give you time off to attend antenatal appointments. However, if you can, try to arrange appointments at the start or end of shifts if you can to be as least disruptive to your working day as possible.
Antenatal care can also include other appointments or classes for example:
Antenatal or parenting classes if they’ve been recommended by a doctor or midwife
Your partner (spouse, civil partner (of either sex), or person with whom you are in a long-term relationship):
Has the statutory right to unpaid time off work to attend 2 antenatal appointments
However it is best for them to approach their team / rota coordinator to discuss this as unofficial paid time off may be given
Before 36/40 days off work due to sickness (of any cause) are counted as sick leave as per your usual trust policy
After 36/40 days off work due to pregnancy related illness automatically triggers the start of maternity leave
However odd days of pregnancy related illness during the 4 weeks before your baby is due may be disregarded by your employer if you want to keep working until your previously agreed maternity leave start date.