I have an antenatal appointment on [day] and will need to leave by [time]; priorities first.
Shift work
Leaving a Shift Early for An antenatal appointment
Leaving a shift early for an antenatal appointment is mostly about cover. Tell your supervisor early and line up someone for the rest of the shift.
Say what you need, briefly
Antenatal appointments recur and fall in clinic hours. Flag the pattern once; in many places time off for them is expected.
Sort cover for your shift
On a shift, leaving early hinges on cover. Tell your supervisor as early as you can, and where you can, line up a colleague to cover the rest of your shift so the floor isn't left short.
Example messages
I have regular antenatal appointments coming up — I'll share the dates so we can plan cover.
My midwife appointment is this afternoon; I'll head out by [time] with my work covered.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't leave the floor short without a word. Flag it early and help line up cover for the rest of the shift.
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This page shares wording ideas, not legal or HR advice. Follow your own employer's time-off policy.
Common questions
How do I handle recurring appointments?
Flag the pattern once, then share each date early.
What matters most on a shift?
Cover. Tell your supervisor early and, where you can, arrange a colleague to cover the rest of your shift.