Maternity / paternity leave

Maternity leave period

Maternity leave includes antenatal leave (before the presumed childbirth date) and a post-natal period. Its time depends on the number of expected baby and the children in charge.

Pathological leave of 2 weeks can be added during antenatal leave depending of your health.

The post-natal period begins the day of the administrative term. If childbirth is before this date, you will benefit the remaining days.

Pregnancy type Total maternity leave
(weeks)		 Antenatal period
(weeks)		 Post-natal period
(weeks)
1st or 2nd child 16 6 10
3rd child 26 8 18
Twin pregnancy 34 12 22
Triplets or more 46 24 22


Paternity leave period

Paternity leave is 11 days long for 1 child, and 18 days in case of multiple childbirth.

Paternity leave has to begin within the 4 months after the childbirth, in addition to the 3 days given by your employer for any birth.
Paternity leave can be taken further to those 3 days, or distantly, but in any case within the 4 months after the birth.

Paternity leave is open for everyone, whatever:
- His seniority
- His contract of employment
- His family situation
- Place of birth or residence of his child (France or abroad)
- Even if the child is not dependent of him.

The Labor Code states the legal time of paternity leave. Additional collective agreements may offer more favorable provisions.

Last update: 10/2/2013