According to the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG), the term of protection for expectant mothers begins six weeks before the birth and ends eight weeks after the birth. This regulation also applies to female students who work during their studies. During the first eight weeks after birth, there is an absolute ban on work.During the six weeks before the birth, a woman may only be employed if she expressly wishes to do so.Expectant mothers must be excluded from activities that endanger the health of mother and child. This also includes the handling of chemical/biological substances, which are used in some internships in natural science courses.For further information, please refer to

www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/themen/familie/mutterschutzgesetz/73762

Information on parental leave can be obtained from the Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend.