Starting a family: Pregnancy and your rights at work

Most working women continue to work through their pregnancies. However, if you are doing night work, or work that may be hazardous to you and your baby (for example, heavy lifting or exposure to toxic chemicals), it may be necessary for a risk assessment to be carried out by your employer.

You can be moved to a different job during your pregnancy or may have to obtain leave for health and safety reasons. The Health and Safety Authority website has a list of questions and answers and other information on the matter.

You are entitled to take paid time off from your employment to attend antenatal appointments, and some antenatal classes. You will also be entitled to maternity leave, even if you are a casual worker, or have only been employed for a short time.

You are entitled to take 26 weeks’ paid maternity leave, followed by 16 weeks unpaid leave.

However, what you receive in pay and benefits during maternity leave depends on your contract of employment. Your employer does not have to pay you when you are on maternity leave.

If you have sufficient PRSI contributions, you will qualify for maternity benefit from the Department of Social Protection for 26 weeks.