Calculate your maternity leave

Find out when your statutory protection period begins –
with tips, checklist & timeline for your relaxed preparation.

Maternity Leave Calculator – calculate your maternity leave quickly & easily

You’re pregnant – congratulations! The time ahead is full of changes, emotions, and plenty of anticipation. And of course, there’s a lot to organise. One of the most important questions: When does my maternity leave start and how long does it last?

With our maternity leave calculator, you can find out in no time. Simply enter your estimated due date and we’ll tell you when your maternity leave starts, how long it lasts, and what you should know now.

Maternity leave is your legally protected time off – time for you and your baby. And because we know that every pregnancy is unique, we support you not just digitally, but also in real life: with lovingly selected products for pregnancy, birth, and your baby’s first months.

Use our maternity leave calculator now and find out when you can start to relax.

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Mutterschutzrechner

Wann ist Dein Geburtstermin?

This is how your maternity leave is structured

What exactly is maternity protection?

Maternity protection is a legally established period before and after birth during which expectant mums are especially protected. You do not have to work during this time, receive maternity pay, and can fully focus on yourself and your baby.

Maternity protection usually begins 6 weeks before the expected due date and ends 8 weeks after the birth. In the case of premature or multiple births, this period is extended to up to 12 weeks after the birth.

The exact period therefore depends on the due date – and this is exactly where our calculator can help you.

How your maternity protection is calculated

The start of your maternity protection always depends on the expected due date. Here is a brief overview:

Start: 6 weeks (42 days) before the due date
End: 8 weeks (56 days) after the birth
For premature births, multiples or caesarean section: 12 weeks (84 days) after the birth
Total maternity protection period: Usually 14 weeks

Of course, the due date can also change – if your baby arrives earlier or later, your maternity protection will be adjusted accordingly. Our calculator takes all of this into account automatically for you.

Your to-dos around maternity protection

There is a lot to organise, especially in the last weeks before the birth. So that you can start your maternity leave relaxed, here are a few tips:

1. Check your newborn essentials

From pram to baby clothes – have a look at our recommendations for the first weeks with your baby:

To the newborn essentials

2. Apply for maternity pay

You can apply to your health insurance for maternity pay – ideally around 7 weeks before the expected due date. You will need a certificate from your doctor or midwife.

3. Choose your pram in good time

Your lucky companion is already waiting! Take a look at our lovingly selected models – so you know even before the birth that everything is ready.

Discover prams now

What colour should my pram be?

Get your free lookbook and discover your favourite colour from the comfort of your home.

Our recommendations for your maternity leave.

Make yourself comfortable during this special time

Our bestsellers for mums-to-be:

Practical good luck companions such as combination prams, buggies & accessories

Discover prams now

Frequently Asked Questions about the Maternity Protection Calculatorand your rights as an expectant mum.

When does the maternity protection period before childbirth start?

The maternity protection period begins exactly six weeks before the expected date of delivery. From this point on, as an expectant mother, you may continue to work if you wish – but you are not obliged to do so. Our maternity protection calculator automatically shows you when your maternity protection starts in accordance with the Maternity Protection Act and how long you are protected for. This period is intended for your well-being and the health of your child.

How long does maternity leave last after childbirth?

The protection period after childbirth is generally eight weeks. In cases of premature births, multiple births, or if your child is born with a disability, this period is extended to twelve weeks. During this time, you are generally not allowed to work – to protect your physical recovery and to ensure a good start with your baby. The maternity protection calculator can help you work out these periods.

Who is entitled to maternity protection?

In principle, all female employees who are in an employment relationship – including during training or studies – are entitled to the provisions of the Maternity Protection Act. The protective rights also apply to mini-jobs or fixed-term contracts. It is important that your employer is informed of your pregnancy in good time – only then can you benefit from full protection against dismissal and your period of protection.

What is the difference between maternity leave and parental leave?

Maternity protection covers the period of six weeks before and eight or twelve weeks after childbirth. After that, you can take parental leave if you wish to continue caring for your child at home. Many parents use the parental allowance or parental leave calculator after maternity protection to make their individual plans. You are also legally entitled to special protection at your workplace during parental leave.

What do I need to inform my employer about regarding maternity protection?

At the latest, once your doctor or midwife has confirmed your expected due date, you should inform your employer – preferably in writing. This allows them to prepare for your absence and provide you with all the information regarding maternity pay, the protection period, and your return to work. Your notification also triggers statutory protection against dismissal.

How exactly does the maternity protection calculator work?

Our maternity leave calculator is very simple: you enter your expected due date, and it shows you at a glance when your protection period begins, when it ends, and how long you are protected in total. The calculation is based on the official regulations of the Maternity Protection Act and is automatically adjusted in the event of premature or multiple births.

Does maternity protection also apply during an apprenticeship or while studying at university?

Yes! Even if you are still in training or studying, you are entitled to the protection periods before and after childbirth. Your institution (e.g. vocational school or university) must ensure that you and your baby are not exposed to any risks during this time – both in terms of working conditions and your health.

What happens to maternity leave if the baby arrives earlier or later than expected?

If your baby is born earlier, the unused days of maternity protection before the birth will be added to the period after the birth. This way, you won’t lose a single week. If the birth is later, the protection period before the birth simply starts later – but it does not end later. Our calculator takes all eventualities into account when calculating your maternity protection period.

Can my employer dismiss me during maternity protection?

No – during maternity leave and up to four months after giving birth, special protection against dismissal applies. This protection comes into effect as soon as you have informed your employer of the pregnancy. In exceptional cases, dismissal can only take place with the approval of the relevant supervisory authority – for example, in the event of a business closure, but not for reasons connected to the pregnancy.

What is the difference between maternity protection and an employment ban?

Maternity protection applies to all pregnant women as a general rule during a specific period – six weeks before and eight or twelve weeks after childbirth. An individual employment ban, on the other hand, is issued by a doctor if the health of the woman or the child is endangered by the working conditions – regardless of the statutory maternity protection period. Both offer important legal protection in the employment relationship.