Protection period for pregnant women

A protection period applies to you as a pregnant woman. As soon as employers know about your pregnancy, they must implement the provisions of the Maternity Protection Act. In addition, you may only be dismissed in a few exceptional cases. This is only possible, for example, if you commit a criminal offence while pregnant. You no longer have to work 6 weeks before your expected due date. No-one can insist that you continue working during this time. You are not allowed to work for at least 8 weeks after giving birth. This period can be extended to 12 weeks if you had a premature birth or multiple birth (twins, triplets) or if your baby has a disability.

There are exceptions to the protection period:

• Abortion
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth