Federal, state and local government regulations have provisions ensuring the welfare of pregnant women. These provisions are intended to guarantee medical care for expectant mothers. Pregnant women considered eligible for such programs should be within income brackets set by the law. Usually, pregnant women with average income or lower are considered for the program. However, income qualification still depends on the limitations set by the local government. Aside from financial and medical care assistance, the federal government (specifically its Office of Personnel Management) mandates all employers to grant maternity leaves to their pregnant personnel. This regulation is under the maternity leave laws.


Childbirth and Sick Leave Benefits

Employees, especially parents are given leave benefits such as childcare, pregnancy and childbirth. Aside from the leave benefits, federal laws with consideration to the mentioned situations mandate employers to provide flexible working schedule to ensure welfare. Especially for pregnant women, pregnancy is a sensitive condition and the law mandates prioritizing the welfare of the employee and her child.


Sick Leave Details

Federal law provides pregnant women up to 12 weeks worth of sick leave. This sick leave benefits include checkups, hospitalization as well as recovery. Usually, a doctor’s certificate is needed to legalize the sick leave. However, in case the doctor does not prescribe more time for recovery, sick leave will not be granted or extended.


Annual Paid Leave

Federal law denotes that an employee can always use his or her annual or yearly leave during pregnancy and upon childbirth. Both parents can in fact apply for this kind of leave for the same situation. This kind of leave is permitted when the situation falls within the conditions set by the law. Both the mother and father can benefit from this benefit once approved.


Advance Annual Leave

Both parents can in fact apply for sick leave or yearly leave. The law states that such leave can be approved one month in advance. The good thing about this kind of leave is that it is also paid. The amount of money to be compensated depends on the sum the employee often receives during the end of the year.


Voluntary Leave Programs

There is a federal provision which gives employees the permission to donate their yearly leave to a co-employee who is in need of more leaves. Employees who have exhausted all of their leave credits can have more leaves once a fellow employee voluntarily gives up the rights to claim the leaves at the end of the year. This type of leave program is used for emergencies and pregnancy conditions which needs extreme medical attention. Simple “family bonding” does not qualify for this program.


Unpaid Leave

Federal laws also give leave without pay (LWOP) for pregnant employees. LWOP happens when the credit leaves have been exhausted already. Employees granted with the LWOP usually fall in the special cases category. This kind of leave cannot be used unless with the approval of a higher officer or supervisor.


Other Benefits

It is also possible to grant telecommuting setups for employees who are not able to work or go to the office. This is something that should be highly considered and could eventually become more practical due to the required attention of a young child.