Maternity protection: your rights around the birth

Pregnant at work? The Maternity Protection Act protects you and your child comprehensively, with protection periods around the birth, employment bans in case of hazards and special protection against dismissal.

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Protection periods apply: as a rule six weeks before and eight weeks after the birth (twelve weeks for premature and multiple births). In the period after the birth there is an absolute employment ban; before the birth you can continue working if you wish.

During the pregnancy and until four months after the birth there is special protection against dismissal. In case of health hazards, a (partial) employment ban can be imposed. Since the reform, maternity protection also applies to school pupils, students and interns.

What you should do now

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1. Report the pregnancy
Inform the employer of the pregnancy and the expected due date; then the protection applies.
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2. Know the protection periods
6 weeks before / 8 (or 12) weeks after the birth; after the birth an employment ban applies.
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3. Check for hazards
In case of hazards at the workplace, the employer is obliged to make adjustments or impose an employment ban.
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4. Use protection against dismissal
A dismissal during the protected period is only permissible in exceptional cases with official approval; contest it if applicable.

Frequently asked questions

How long does maternity protection last?

The protection period is as a rule six weeks before and eight weeks after the birth; for premature and multiple births it extends to twelve weeks after the birth. After the birth an absolute employment ban applies. Before the birth you may continue working if you expressly wish and can revoke this declaration at any time.

Can I be dismissed during pregnancy?

In principle no. From the beginning of the pregnancy until four months after the birth there is special protection against dismissal (MuSchG). A dismissal is only permissible in exceptional cases and with the consent of the responsible authority. If you are dismissed anyway, you should observe the 3-week deadline for a dismissal protection claim.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.