Maternity leave can typically start between 6 to 10 weeks before your expected delivery date, depending on your country and specific employer policies. For example:
- In the UK and many other places, maternity leave usually begins up to 6 weeks before the expected birth but must start no later than 4 weeks before delivery. You can choose the exact start date based on your condition and preferences, but the leave rarely starts earlier than 6 weeks before the due date.
- In the Netherlands, pregnancy leave can start between 8 and 10 weeks before the expected delivery date. The employee often determines the exact start date within this window.
- In India, maternity leave may start after the employee has worked a certain number of days before expected delivery, generally entitling women to take leave starting a few weeks before birth.
- In Canada, maternity benefits (often linked to maternity leave) can start as early as 12 weeks before the due date or the date you give birth.
Generally, you should notify your employer at least several weeks in advance (for example, 3 to 8 weeks before your intended start date) and provide proof of pregnancy and expected due date to arrange your leave properly.
If a specific country or employer's maternity leave laws or policies are of interest, I can provide more targeted information. Could you please specify your location or workplace?
