Maternity Protection Calculator
Protection periods around birth (and optional miscarriage from 13th week) as Timeline, Data List & Calendar Export.
Inputs
Result
Inputs (Miscarriage)
Result (Miscarriage)
Explanation (Status 2026)
This Maternity Protection Calculator 2026 is a planning aid for Germany: It calculates the statutory protection periods around birth according to the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) and displays the dates as a list and timeline. This allows you to plan early with your employer, doctor, midwife, or family, without having to shift every date in the calendar yourself.
What data do you get?
- Start of the protection period before birth (usually 6 weeks before the estimated due date, EDD)
- EDD (Estimated Due Date)
- Actual birth date (optional; if already known)
- End of the protection period after birth (usually 8 weeks after delivery; in special cases 12 weeks)
Additionally, the calculator calculates the total duration in days and creates an .ics calendar file (All-Day-Event) upon request for import into Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook.
How the calculator works (Birth)
- Start of protection period: EDD minus 42 days.
- Protection period after birth: standard is 8 weeks after delivery.
- For premature birth, multiple birth, or if a disability is medically diagnosed in the child within the first 8 weeks: 12 weeks after birth.
- If the child arrives earlier than the EDD, the days that could not be taken before birth are added to the time after birth. If the child arrives after the EDD, the period before birth extends until the actual birth; after the birth, it remains at least 8 or 12 weeks.
Value-Added Features
- Timeline with "Today" marker and progress indicator
- Copy button (Summary for E-Mail/Notes)
- .ics Export as Calendar Block
Important Notes (please read)
In the 6 weeks before birth, the employer generally may not employ you – unless you expressly declare yourself willing to continue working. You can revoke this declaration at any time with effect for the future. After birth, there is a general ban on employment during the protection period. Individual employment bans (e.g., due to health risks), special working time rules, details for civil servants/soldiers, or collective agreement supplements are not covered here. The calculator does not replace legal advice; in doubt, clarify special cases with your health insurance, employer, or a counseling center.
FAQ
1) Is the result "official"?
No. Binding are the medical certificate (EDD) and the actual delivery/medical findings. Use the calculator as a planning basis.
2) Do I have to stay home in the 6 weeks before birth?
You don't have to, but your employer may only employ you if you expressly wish it. You can revoke this later at any time.
3) What if I only know the EDD?
Then the calculator shows a projected end (EDD + 8 or 12 weeks). As soon as you enter the birth date, it will be recalculated.
4) What counts as a premature birth?
Medically often before 37+0 weeks of gestation. For the 12-week period, use the switch if your situation qualifies as a premature birth.
5) Multiple birth: automatically 12 weeks after?
Yes, according to MuSchG, the protection period after birth then extends to 12 weeks.
6) Disability diagnosed: when 12 weeks?
If a disability is medically diagnosed within the first 8 weeks after delivery. Check the box as soon as you know.
7) What if the baby comes earlier?
Then the unused days before birth are added to the end. The calculator calculates this exactly with the actual birth date.
8) What if the baby comes later?
The time period "before birth" runs until the actual birth; the time "after birth" remains at least 8 or 12 weeks.
9) Does the calculator calculate Maternity Benefit or Parental Allowance?
No. For that, one would need further data (insurance, net income, subsidies). This is about time periods.
10) Miscarriage from 13th week: is there maternity protection?
Yes, since 1.6.2025 staggered maternity protection applies: from 13th week 2 weeks, from 17th week 6 weeks, from 20th week 8 weeks. In the "Miscarriage" tab you can calculate this.
11) Can I still work after a miscarriage?
Yes, one can expressly declare willingness to work; the calculator shows the possible protection time.
Embed this Calculator on Your Website
You can integrate this calculator for free into your own website. Get the embed code on our overview page.