Mutterschutzfrist

Mutterschutzfrist is a protected period in Germany defined by the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) intended to safeguard the health of pregnant women and their children and to ensure income security during maternity. The standard duration runs six weeks before the expected delivery date and eight weeks after birth, totaling 14 weeks. In the case of premature birth, a birth requiring medical intervention, or multiple births (e.g., twins), the postnatal protection is extended to twelve weeks, which can increase the total duration accordingly.

During Mutterschutzfrist, employment is generally not permitted for the pregnant employee (Arbeitsverbot). Dismissals are prohibited during pregnancy and for a period after birth (Kündigungsschutz). The period also restricts scheduling of work and certain job duties to protect health. The period begins when the pregnancy is officially notified to the employer, often with a medical certificate, and continues through the postnatal phase.

Financially, Mutterschaftsgeld is paid by the statutory health insurance for the duration of the protection, typically based on net earnings, with a supplementary employer contribution provided to maintain the employee’s usual income level. Private insurers follow corresponding arrangements. After Mutterschutzfrist ends, the employee may return to work and may choose to take parental leave (Elternzeit) for up to three years with continued job protection.

Mutterschutzfrist applies to employed women, including many who are in training or on fixed-term contracts, though self-employed individuals have different rules.