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FAQs

How many weeks pregnant should you start maternity leave? ›

You can start your maternity leave any day from 11 weeks before your due date.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law that requires most companies to allow their employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave time after the birth of their child. The FMLA applies to both men and women and is also available for those that adopt a child.

In a normal pregnancy, a worker will typically be disabled 4 weeks before the expected due date and 6 weeks after for a vagin*l birth or 8 weeks after for a cesarean section.

For a pregnant employee, leave can start up to 6 weeks before the expected date of birth (or earlier if agreed), or within 24 months of the birth of the child.

You may have to stop working or reduce your hours during your pregnancy if: You're at risk for preterm labor, which includes women who are expecting twins or multiples. You have high blood pressure or are at risk for preeclampsia. You've been diagnosed with placenta previa.

How much you will get. If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) it is paid for a maximum period of 39 weeks. It is paid: for the first six weeks at 90 per cent of your average gross weekly earnings with no upper limit.

A woman who is having a normal, healthy pregnancy can work right up until the start of labour. However, you can choose to stop working whenever suits you. Some women choose to stop several weeks before their due date but others will be at work even in early labour.

Usually, the earliest you can start your leave is 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. Leave will also start: the day after the birth if the baby is early. automatically if you're off work for a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before the week (Sunday to Saturday) that your baby is due.

Increase in the maternity leave duration

This duration was increased in the amendment to the Act in 2017, and all women are eligible to take a 26-week maternity leave. They can take maternity leave from 8 weeks before the delivery date and take the rest 18 weeks after delivery.

You may have to stop working or reduce your hours during your pregnancy if: You're at risk for preterm labor, which includes women who are expecting twins or multiples. You have high blood pressure or are at risk for preeclampsia. You've been diagnosed with placenta previa.

Is 6 weeks enough for maternity leave? ›

More than 12 weeks is needed for an adequate maternity leave, according to Dr. Bovone. “Many issues that need assistance are not even apparent until three to four months after delivery,” she says. “It almost becomes impossible to juggle the demands of self-care, childcare, relationships and work obligations.”