Maternity leave

How long is the maternity leave?
Before March 2000, maternity leave was divided into 2 months before the birth and 3 months after the birth. Since March 2000, it is possible to postpone pre and post partum abstention, stopping working one month before giving birth and starting again 4 months after giving birth. Maternity leave is the period in which the worker is obliged to abstain from work.


When can maternity leave be extended?
Maternity leave can be anticipated if the doctor believes that the working conditions or health of the woman may put pregnancy or breastfeeding at risk. In the latter case, it is also possible to postpone the return to work, up to 7 months after the birth.
In particular, early leave is imposed:
1. in the case of serious complications of gestation or pre-existing morbid forms that are presumed to be aggravated by the state of pregnancy;
2. when the environmental or working conditions are considered to be detrimental to the health of the woman and the child;
3. when the worker involved in heavy, dangerous or unhealthy work cannot be moved to other duties. (art. 17 / T.U.)

See also Going to early motherhood: how it works and who it is for