Pregnant while employed

Pregnant and working? You have many rights and legal protections. Dutch law ensures that you can work safely, that your maternity leave is well arranged, and that you cannot be disadvantaged because of your pregnancy. This article gives you an overview of the most important rules.

1. Safe and healthy working conditions

Your employer is legally required to make sure you can continue working safely and healthily during pregnancy. This includes:

• A safe workplace without exposure to harmful substances, radiation, or heavy physical work.
• Extra rest breaks if needed.
• The option to do alternative work temporarily if your usual tasks are too heavy or risky.

📌 More information: Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs – Working safely during pregnancy (Dutch) and business.gov.nl.

If you’re unsure whether your working conditions are safe, talk to your employer or the occupational health doctor (bedrijfsarts).

2. Midwife appointments during working hours

You have the right to attend medical appointments, such as check-ups with us, during working hours. Your employer may not deduct this time from your salary or annual leave. It’s helpful to schedule appointments as early as possible and inform your employer in advance.

📌 More information: Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs – Working hours and pregnancy (Dutch)

3. Protection against dismissal during pregnancy

While you’re pregnant, you generally cannot be dismissed. This protection also applies during your maternity leave and up to six weeks after returning to work. There are only a few exceptions, such as dismissal for serious misconduct or company bankruptcy.

Note: If you resign yourself, you’re only entitled to maternity benefits if you give birth within 10 weeks after leaving your job.

📌 More information: Dutch Government – Dismissal protection during pregnancy (Dutch)

4. Applying for a job while pregnant

If you’re pregnant and applying for a new job, you are not required to mention your pregnancy during the interview. Employers are not allowed to reject you because of pregnancy — this counts as discrimination and is illegal.

If you believe you were rejected because of pregnancy, you can report this to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (College voor de Rechten van de Mens).

📌 Report discrimination: Netherlands Institute for Human Rights – Pregnancy and work (Dutch)

5. Maternity leave: when and how long?

Your maternity leave starts between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. In total, you are entitled to 16 weeks of paid leave. During this period, you’ll receive 100% of your salary, paid by the UWV (the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency).

Consisting of:

• Pregnancy leave: at least 4 to 6 weeks before your due date.
• Maternity leave: at least 10 weeks after birth, regardless of when your baby is born.
• Paternity / partner leave. ls partner kan je partnerverlof opnemen. Je moet dit schriftelijk aanvragen, per brief of e-mail. 

📌 More information: Applying for maternity and parental leave

6. Informing your employer

You must officially inform your employer that you are pregnant at least three weeks before your maternity leave begins. In practice, it’s better to do this earlier so your employer has enough time to make arrangements.

Your employer will likely ask for a pregnancy declaration (zwangerschapsverklaring). This is an official note confirming your pregnancy and expected due date, which you can request from us during one of your check-ups.

📌 More information: UWV – Informing your employer about pregnancy (Dutch)

7. Discrimination in the workplace

Research by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights shows that 43% of pregnant women experience discrimination at work. This can include:

• Fewer opportunities for promotion.
• No contract renewal because of pregnancy.
• Difficulties returning to work after maternity leave.

If you or someone you know is being treated unfairly because of pregnancy, you can report it to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights via their website.

📌 More information: Netherlands Institute for Human Rights – Pregnancy discrimination (Dutch)

💼 Pregnancy & Your Rights at Work – At a Glance

• 🧡 Safe workplace: Your employer must make sure your work environment is safe and healthy during pregnancy.
• 🕒 Extra breaks: You’re entitled to more rest and may adjust your duties if work is physically heavy or risky.
• 🩺 Medical appointments: You can attend midwife or hospital visits during work hours without losing pay.
• 👶 Maternity leave: 16 weeks in total — fully paid (100% of your salary).
• 🚫 Job protection: You cannot be dismissed because of pregnancy or maternity leave.
• ⚖️ No discrimination: If you’re treated unfairly, report it to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights.

💡 Tip: Inform your employer early so they can make adjustments in time.