Information for O&G doctors about working during pregnancy and maternity and paternity leave.
It is important that the specialty is seen as an attractive and supportive career choice, where taking time out to start or raise a family is not a barrier to career progression. Every pregnancy is different, and clear processes should be in place to encourage open dialogue and support an individualised approach to each doctor’s circumstances.
This page signposts to the legal framework, service commitments, individual circumstances, and continued training.
Always discuss specific issues with your employer and read your employer’s maternity leave policy. You can also seek individualised advice from the BMA.
In this section:
- Maternity leave, paternity leave and maternity pay
- Returning to work
- Special considerations
- Impact of rotational shifts and pregnancy
Sources of information
- ACAS
- AoMRC: Pregnancy Loss and Fertility in the Workplace
Advice and support for doctors experiencing pregnancy loss and/or fertility issues, as well as advice and guidance for their supervisors and managers about how to support them. Written with consideration to the unique stresses that working within women’s healthcare can place on those experiencing this. - BMA information on maternity, paternity, and adoption: Information about working during pregnancy, maternity leave, returning to work and life as a working parent.
- Check if you can get Maternity or Paternity Leave or Pay, or Maternity Allowance
- Children and Families Act 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Government advice for pregnant employees’ rights in the UK: Information about your rights and responsibilities during pregnancy, maternity/paternity leave and life as a working parent.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – information for new and expectant mothers: Useful information for you and your employer about your rights and responsibilities
- HM Revenue and Customs: Information about statutory maternity pay and child benefits.
- Maternity Action: Guidance on your rights during pregnancy and as a working parent.
- NHS Employers maternity guidance for rotational doctors in training
- NHS maternity benefits when you're pregnant- NHS
- RCOG – Return to work toolkit
- The Royal College of Nursing ‘having a family toolkit’ covers your rights at work and answers frequently asked questions on pregnancy, maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay.