{"id":10155,"date":"2021-02-01T05:17:14","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T10:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10155\/work-maternity-leave\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T13:19:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T17:19:46","slug":"work-maternity-leave","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10155\/work-maternity-leave\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning parental leave: Q and A"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Parental leave is time away from work while you\u2019re pregnant or after you give birth. In some areas, it\u2019s also called family leave, bonding leave or maternity leave. In the U.S., it isn’t always guaranteed. Whether you have the option to take parental leave tends to depend on your job, as well as local and state regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you’re on most types of leave, your job cannot legally replace or penalize you for taking time off. Parental leave is also sometimes paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much time off can I get?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., most companies – but not all – are required to allow 12 weeks of unpaid leave under federal law. You can read about this law, called the Family Medical Leave Act or FMLA, at this link<\/a>. It’s also a good idea to check with your employer and your own state laws to get a better picture of how additional leave options may apply to you. If you have any co-workers who have recently taken leave, they can be a great source of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some companies allow employees to add on accumulated vacation time or sick days to extend the time they’re out on leave. Others may allow you to spend vacation time you haven\u2019t accumulated yet. Because it can vary so much, you will definitely want to consult your employer about their specific policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should I take my leave?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Before you can take your leave, you typically need to submit a request or discuss your plans for leave with a human resources representative. You should consult your employer to learn more about the right timeline for submitting such a request or making plans for leave. Because giving birth is unpredictable, it helps to know how to submit your request in advance or update a request once the baby is here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some notable details that might shape when exactly you decide to take your leave, including how\u00a0much\u00a0leave time you have, how you’re feeling toward the end of your pregnancy, and your and your baby’s health needs.\u00a0Some\u00a0people prefer and are able to start their leave a\u00a0little\u00a0while before their due date. Other people prefer or need to work right up until their due date or birth.\u00a0You know the details of your leave and your\u00a0needs\u00a0best, and\u00a0so you\u00a0should take leave when it is best for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I get paid?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., some employers offer paid leave, but it’s certainly not a guarantee. You can start by consulting your employer to see if they offer any pay during family leave. Many states offer much more generous leave policies. They may include pay, time for medical recovery and then bonding, and time paid or unpaid for partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in the U.S., you can read about the different state laws\u00a0here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do get paid, you may receive a smaller portion of your salary than if you were there, or a decreasing amount of your salary over time as an incentive to return to work. Some companies pay a salary through a\u00a0limited amount of leave, or offer a bonus when you return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there an alternative to family leave?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If family leave under FMLA isn’t an option, you may also be able to use a combination of paid vacation, unpaid vacation, and sick days. Another way to get time off from work is through short-term disability. Short-term medical disability may be offered through your state or employer, so it’s worth doing some research on local regulations and your employer’s policies to see if you qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short-term disability typically pays between 50% and 100% of your salary and usually covers only 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth, depending on your coverage. It may also cover leave for pregnancy-related complications or additional time off for postpartum medical complications, including those related to mental health. If you have access to short-term disability, calling the insurer directly can help you understand what is and isn\u2019t covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting ready for leave<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As you prepare, here are a few things to remember to make it an easier process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n