Maternity benefit

To qualify for maternity benefit (congé maternité) you must have worked for at least six months within the last twelve months preceding the start of your maternity leave. Maternity leave comprises of two stages: prenatal leave of at least eight weeks (extended if necessary until the actual date of confinement) and postnatal leave of another eight weeks (extended to twelve in the case of premature birth, breastfeeding or multiple birth). In the case of adoption you are entitled to eight weeks maternity leave after the adoption has taken place.

A remuneration of your normal salary, not including bonus or special pay (up to five time the social minimum wage) is paid by the healthcare system (Caisse de Maladie) throughout the entire period of maternity leave.

At least ten weeks before the estimated delivery date you need to submit a request form for leave, along with a medical certificate, both of which are obtainable from your gynaecologist, to the Caisse de Maladie (if you are employed this is normally done through your employer). You must also send a copy of the birth certificate to the Caisse de Maladie after the birth of your child.

Working throughout pregnancy and returning to work

If you are only able to schedule obstetrician appointments during working hours your employer will grant you time off to attend but you must inform them. You are not entitled to work overtime during your pregnancy.

Pregnant women who are restricted from working include:

  • those who undertake difficult physical labour;
  • those exposed to harmful substances, such as radiation, dust, gas or other emissions;
  • those exposed to heat, cold, excessive noise etc.

Women returning to work are entitled to take 45 minutes twice a day to breastfeed their child. Your employer may require a medical certificate.

Annual leave is still calculated throughout maternity leave, e.g. if you work full time you will be entitled to your full holiday leave on top of the maternity leave.

For details on childbirth benefit and parental leave click the appropriate link.