Pregnancy and maternity leave
How much leave, and am I protected from dismissal?
What the law says
- Prenatal leave: you may not work during the 8 weeks before the expected birth date (Art. L. 332-1).
- Postnatal leave: 12 weeks after the birth (Art. L. 332-2).
- If the baby comes early, unused prenatal days are added to postnatal leave; if late, postnatal leave is not shortened (Art. L. 332-1).
- Your employer cannot dismiss you while the pregnancy is medically confirmed or during the 12 weeks after the birth; such a dismissal is void (Art. L. 337-1).
Watch out for
- Dismissed before telling them you were pregnant? Send a medical certificate by registered letter within 8 days (Art. L. 337-1).
- To have the dismissal declared void, apply to the president of the labour court within 15 days (Art. L. 337-1).
Who can help
Official source : Code du travail (version du 26.7.2026) · Checked on 21.10.2026