Timing of Maternity Leave

Not to hog the threat, but how is your annual leave affected by Maternity leave, does it still accumulate as normal or does it stop until you start working again, bearing in mind that I do not get paid Maternity Leave and Im planning to use my leave to "lenghten" my time home.

My maternity leave ends in Oct. So my plan is to work for a few weeks and take leave as the company close over December.

Hi All,

Just a point of clarity, S25 of the BCEA (Basic Conditions of Employment Act) states that an employee MAY take leave any time at any time from four weeks before the expected date of birth, unless otherwise agreed; or on a date from which a medical practitioner or a midwife certifies that it is necessary for the employee’s health or that of her unborn child.

This means that it is in your discretion, you can choose when within the last 4 weeks or even earlier if your doctor or midwife indicates such. You can't be forced to take leave at 36 weeks and any policy that states that is in contravention to the act and can be challenged.

I think where the confusion comes in is that the act does compel us to inform our employer of the intention to take maternity leave at least 4 weeks before the intended start of the maternity leave.

Stay as long as you can and want to!

Yip less time at home and more with your baby!

I worked until 40w. Overtime on a Saturday...went into hospital Saturday night with cramps and had emergency c-section the next day.

With my son I took off 11 days before he was due...it was December, I didn't feel like working and also I wanted to spend time with my daughter before she wasn't an only child anymore.

I will probably do a week before this time to spend time with the kids:)

Thanks everyone!

StellaK, my colleagues tell me that although 36 weeks is the official time, my work is apparently very lenient about it. I think they do require a letter from the doctor if you decide to continue working after 36 weeks. I really wouldnt want to leave at 36 weeks already if I can help it.

Good idea Jeanine, I think I should go talk to HR after my next scan and decide on dates verbally, and then enter it on the system a few days before.

I have about two weeks of annual leave that I can take as well, so I'll talk to HR to hear if they think I should take it just before annual leave starts, or after.

Thanks!!

I also worked up to the day before my daughter arrived, she was 3 weeks early though and i ended up having an emergency ceaser due to high blood pressure. I went into preterm labour at 32 and 34 weeks though.

But i would work for as long as you are able so you can make the most of the 4 months with your baby

Irene, dit sal vir jou lekker wees om tot op die laaste te werk.

ek het gewerk tot die dag voor boetie gebore was. ek was in my laaste week van werk en sou tot die vrydag gewerk het, maar toe het die knapie vroeg gekom en is die dinsdag gebore.

al wat ek kan se is die laaste paar weke was vir my aaklig by die werk. ek was so seer en ongemaklik. so met die volgende een sal ek dit nie heeltemaal so push nie. maar nou ja, dit is steeds lekkerder om langer tuis te wees met baba, so mens druk maar deur.

hou wel in gedagte dat die arbeidswet se mens moet op 36 weke afgaan, so as jou maatskappy daarop aandring dan kan jy nie juis iets daaraan doen nie.

Hi Irene,

I agree, on the system, start your maternity leave officially a day before you are due to give birth, then use your annual leave as a buffer beforehand if it becomes too uncomfortable (or afterwards to stretch it a little). Discuss it with your HR, you'll see, they are usually very understanding!