What is maternity leave?

Maternity leave is a period of approved absence from work that a mother takes after the birth of her child. It is designed to allow the mother to recover from childbirth and to bond with her newborn.

How can an employee apply for maternity leave?

To apply for maternity leave, an employee typically needs to notify their employer in advance, providing a written request and any required documentation, such as a medical certificate confirming the pregnancy and expected due date.

Can fathers take leave after the birth of a child?

Yes, many countries and employers offer paternity leave or parental leave for fathers, allowing them to take time off work to care for their newborn. The duration and conditions of this leave can vary.

What is the difference between maternity leave and parental leave?

Maternity leave is specifically for mothers following childbirth, while parental leave can be taken by either parent to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. Parental leave policies can vary widely in terms of duration and eligibility.

Maternity Leave

Sophia Reynolds

22 May 2025 — 2 min read

Maternity Leave is the period of authorized absence from work granted to a female employee before and after the birth (or sometimes adoption) of a child. The duration, pay, and eligibility criteria for maternity leave vary by country and company policy.

Maternity leave may be fully paid, partially paid, or unpaid, and often includes job protection to ensure the employee can return to her role or an equivalent one. In many regions, it is a legal right protected by labor laws.

Offering supportive maternity leave policies contributes to gender equity, employee retention, and workplace well-being.

✅ Common use: “The company extended its maternity leave policy to include 16 weeks of fully paid time off.”

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long is maternity leave?

The length of maternity leave can vary depending on the country, employer policies, and individual circumstances. In many places, it typically ranges from 12 to 16 weeks, but it can be longer or shorter.

Is maternity leave paid?

Whether maternity leave is paid or unpaid depends on the laws of the country and the policies of the employer. Some countries mandate paid maternity leave, while others may offer unpaid leave or a combination of both.

Who is eligible for maternity leave?

Eligibility for maternity leave often depends on factors such as employment status, length of service with the employer, and local labor laws. Generally, full-time employees who have worked for a certain period are eligible.

Can maternity leave be extended?

In some cases, maternity leave can be extended, either through additional unpaid leave or by using other types of leave, such as vacation or sick leave. This depends on the employer's policies and local regulations.

How does maternity leave affect job security?

In many countries, laws protect the job security of employees on maternity leave, ensuring they can return to their position or a similar one after the leave period ends. However, specifics can vary by jurisdiction.

Can both parents take leave after the birth of a child?

Yes, in many places, both parents can take leave after the birth of a child. This is often referred to as parental leave, and it may be separate from or in addition to maternity leave.

How should an employee apply for maternity leave?

Employees should follow their employer's procedures for applying for maternity leave, which typically involves notifying the employer in writing and providing any required documentation, such as a medical certificate.

What happens to employee benefits during maternity leave?

Employee benefits during maternity leave can vary. Some employers continue to provide benefits such as health insurance, while others may suspend certain benefits until the employee returns to work. It's important to check with the employer for specific details.

Can maternity leave be shared between parents?

In some countries, maternity leave can be shared between parents, allowing both to take time off to care for the newborn. This is often part of a broader parental leave policy.