Sick leave during pregnancy*

Sick leave during pregnancy

During pregnancy, health problems can arise that make it necessary to take sick leave. Read all about the reasons for sick leave during pregnancy, how to obtain it and what rights and obligations expectant mothers have. The special features of maternity protection and the legal framework are also discussed.

Abstract

• Health problems during pregnancy may make it necessary to take sick leave.
• Expectant mothers have special protective rights in the workplace.
• A sick note can be issued by the gynecologist or family doctor.
• Maternity protection begins six weeks before the expected date of birth.
• TeleClinic offers the possibility of obtaining medical advice and sick notes online.

When is a sick note necessary during pregnancy?

There are various reasons why sick leave may be necessary during pregnancy. Common reasons are

• Severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum)
• Back pain and other physical complaints
• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
• Infections that require a break
• Mental strain or stress
• Pregnancy at risk (e.g. premature labor)

In such cases, sick leave may be necessary to protect the health of the mother and the unborn child. It is particularly important that the expectant mother seeks medical advice quickly in the event of health problems in order to minimize possible risks.

How do you get a sick note during pregnancy?

A sick note can be issued either by the gynecologist or the family doctor. The doctor will carry out an examination and decide whether sick leave is necessary. In the event of health problems during pregnancy, it is important that the expectant mother seeks medical advice quickly in order to minimize possible risks. The doctor will then issue a certificate of incapacity for work, which is required by the employer.

What rights do pregnant employees have?

Pregnant employees have special protective rights that are laid down in the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG). These include:

• Special protection against dismissal from the time of pregnancy until four months after the birth
• Exemption from dangerous or physically demanding activities
• Breaks and rest periods that are adapted to the needs of pregnant women
• Maternity protection period: six weeks before and eight weeks after the birth (twelve weeks for premature and multiple births)

The employer is obliged to guarantee these protective measures and to protect the health of the expectant mother and the unborn child. Employers are also obliged to design the workplace in such a way that there is no risk to the pregnant woman and the unborn child. If this is not possible, the employer must offer the pregnant woman another reasonable job.

What happens if I am off sick for a longer period?

If a longer period of sick leave is necessary, the general regulations on continued payment of wages in the event of illness apply. The employer continues to pay the salary for the first six weeks. After that, people with statutory insurance are entitled to sick pay from their health insurance fund. Sick pay usually amounts to 70% of the gross salary, but not more than 90% of the net salary. It is important for expectant mothers who are on sick leave for a longer period of time during pregnancy to be aware of these regulations in order to minimize financial losses.

What role does maternity protection play?

Maternity protection begins six weeks before the expected date of birth and ends eight weeks after the birth (twelve weeks in the case of premature and multiple births). During this time, employment is prohibited in order to protect the health of the mother and child. As a rule, it is not necessary to take sick leave during maternity protection, as the ban on employment already applies. Expectant mothers should find out about their rights and obligations during maternity leave in good time so as not to miss any important deadlines.

What to do if you have problems with your employer?

If there are problems with the employer regarding sick leave or maternity protection, expectant mothers can contact the works council or the trade union. The relevant trade supervisory office can also provide advice. It is important that the rights and protection of pregnant employees are respected. Employers may not impose any disadvantages on pregnant women due to their pregnancy or sick leave, and violations of the protection against dismissal can have legal consequences.

Special legal framework conditions

The legal framework for maternity protection and sick leave during pregnancy is set out in the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) and the Continued Remuneration Act (EFZG). According to § 5 para. 1 EFZG, the employer must be informed immediately of the inability to work and its expected duration. The employee is also obliged to submit a medical certificate by the fourth day of incapacity for work at the latest. In the case of pregnancy-related illnesses, special attention should be paid to these regulations in order to avoid legal problems.

How can TeleClinic help?

TeleClinic offers a flexible and convenient way to obtain medical advice and sick notes online. This service is particularly ideal for pregnant women who may have difficulty visiting a doctor’s surgery. You can use the TeleClinic platform to speak to a doctor quickly and easily and obtain a sick note at the doctor’s discretion.

Health problems during pregnancy may make it necessary to take sick leave in order to protect the health of the mother and the unborn child. Pregnant employees have special protective rights and can take sick leave at the discretion of their gynecologist or family doctor. It is important that expectant mothers know their rights and assert them when necessary. TeleClinic offers a convenient way to obtain medical advice and sick notes online, making the process much easier and providing more flexibility.