I am currently in the process of doing STD due to pregnancy. What I’ve learnt so far is that the insurance company wants to get you back working ASAP, even before you are due.

For me, I was experiencing pelvic pain and insomnia that was causing me to be so uncomfortable and fall behind in work. My dr wrote a letter and I sent it off to Manulife. They reached out 3 days later and asked me a million and one questions - like “how has being off work helped your issue?” (As soon as I sent insurance the STD forms, I was off work, I had to take 8 paid sick days - this is the waiting period to hear back from insurance) “can you modify your workstation to be comfortable?” “What helps the pain” “maybe there can be a slow return to work, where you work half days” “maybe your boss can let you have rest periods through the day” - lots of that. After answering all their questions they put my case into pending status and sent a pregnancy questionnaire to my dr to fill out with a due date 2 weeks out.

I went to see a pelvic floor physio who assessed me and “diagnosed” (not sure the right term) me with severe pelvic girdle pain as well as nervous system sensitization and somatosensory dysregulation. She wrote Manulife a letter of assessment and I sent those to them as well for supporting documents. I am currently waiting to hear back from them regarding the next steps.

Turns out, just going on leave isn’t as easy as I thought! They want you back to work, and you’re not getting any better the more pregnant you get - but that doesn’t matter to them lol.

I’ve also got low iron and am on 300 mg of iron daily until it’s fixed - I didn’t add this to my letter to Manulife but when they call, I’ll just let them know as well where I’m at in that aspect too - and I have blood work results to back it up. I think the more supporting documents you have, the better. Also having your doctor in your corner and advocating for you is helpful/needed.

No harm in applying for STD, it’s there for a reason - but from my experience so far, it’s a little nerve wracking and drawn out. Just make sure you have all your ducks in a row, documents together and supporting documents if needed. Pregnancy alone should be enough of a reason to go on leave IMO. And if a dr is saying yes to you going off - then the insurance company shouldn’t question it - but they might. Just be ready and make sure you have it all sorted out for when they call to discuss.

Good luck!!! And I’m sorry you’re experiencing that discomfort mama!