Two holding hands
Parent & Child
15.05.2025 Ifenna Ekezie 756

Maternity protection in the event of miscarriage: a new path for affected women

From June 1, 2025, a significant change in the law will come into force that will significantly improve maternity protection for women who suffer a miscarriage.

Women who suffer a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy are also entitled to maternity leave from June. The new regulations offer staggered periods of protection and financial support to give affected women the time they need to recover and raise awareness of the emotional and physical strain of miscarriage.

Text: Laura Rohsius, Parent & Child Consultant at pme Familienservice.

Maternity protection for miscarriages

New legal regulations on maternity protection in the event of a miscarriage

Until now, maternity protection only applied to miscarriages after the 24th week of pregnancy. From June 1, 2025, women who suffer a miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy will also be legally entitled to maternity protection.

The duration of maternity leave depends on the course of the pregnancy in the event of miscarriage and is staggered: 

  • from the 13th week up to two weeks maternity leave
  • from the 17th week up to six weeks maternity leave
  • from the 20th week up to eight weeks maternity leave

What is the significance of the new maternity protection regulations in the event of a miscarriage?

These new regulations on maternity protection in the event of a miscarriage close a previous gap in the Maternity Protection Act and recognize the physical and psychological stress associated with a miscarriage.  

The introduction of staggered protection periods is an important step towards giving affected women the time they need to recover. During the protection periods, employers are not allowed to employ the women concerned unless they expressly declare their willingness to work.  

Women are also entitled to maternity benefit during this period, which provides financial relief.  

These regulations should also help to raise awareness in the world of work of the emotional, physical and psychological challenges associated with miscarriages.  

Tips for employers: be sensitive when dealing with affected employees

1. respect privacy: Respect the boundaries of the employee concerned and give her control over the conversation. Think about which details really need to be asked.

2. safe framework: Encourage the employee to share their situation without putting pressure on them. Create a safe atmosphere in which emotions are okay and you allow time for stories and sympathy.

3 Avoid empty phrases: Phrases such as "It'll be okay" or "It had its reasons" can be hurtful. Instead, you can simply listen and show understanding.

4. inform about new regulations: Make sure that all employees are informed about the new maternity protection regulations so that they know what rights and support they are entitled to.

5. offer flexibility: Depending on the workplace, discuss the possibility of flexible working hours or working from home to make it easier for the women concerned to return to work.

6. provide resources: Provide information about counseling services (e.g., pme Familienservice) and support groups that can offer support. This shows that the company cares about the well-being of its employees.

Through these measures, HR staff can help affected employees to feel supported and understood, which not only promotes their recovery, but also improves the working atmosphere.

Maternity protection, child benefit & co.: the pme parent advice service

Our parent counselors support parents in all matters from pregnancy to the child's adulthood.  

Personal and confidential: We are there for you online, by phone and on site. You can find more information on the pme parent counseling page.   

 

WFurther information:

 

zero 7 tips for a successful "Dry January"

Friends drink cocoa
Body & Soul
07.01.2025 Christin Müller 1368

Dry January: alcohol-free into the new year

Many people want to give up alcohol in January and join the "Dry January" movement. Are you too? We'll show you which strategies you can use to achieve your resolution in January and beyond.

"I won't drink from tomorrow!"

The "Dry January" initiative has been growing in popularity for years. There is a real movement of people who - after the traditionally alcohol-heavy Christmas celebrations and New Year's Eve parties - give up alcohol completely from New Year's Day until January 31.

Implementing resolutions in the long term with "Mini Habits"

"Mini habits" can help to ensure that it doesn't just remain a good intention but is also successful in the long term. These are small, low-threshold habits that you establish in your everyday life until they trigger a lasting positive change.

You can read exactly how to do this in the article: "Change your life sustainably with Mini Habits".

Days of sick leave due to alcohol at an all-time high

A trend that is well worth emulating when looking at the latest figures from AOK Rheinland/Hamburg. The number of days of incapacity to work due to alcohol-related illnesses has reached an all-time high. In 2022, employees were absent from work for an average of 15.3 days per 100 insured persons due to alcohol problems. Men and older employees aged 50 to 59 are particularly affected.

What are the benefits of Dry January?

But what good is a "dry month" like this for my health if I find myself reaching for a glass more often the rest of the year? First and foremost, you can say that every drop of alcohol that I don't drink is good for my body and my psyche," explains nutritional therapist Giannina Schmelling. "Dry January can therefore offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on your own relationship with alcohol and make lasting positive changes to your lifestyle."

We have a few tips to help you make a successful alcohol-free start to the new year.

7 tips for a successful "Dry January":

1. set clear goals

Define your motivation for the alcohol-free month. Do you want to improve your health, lose weight or simply review your drinking habits?

2. seek support

Share your plans with friends or family. Shared goals increase the chances of success and provide mutual motivation.

3. find alternatives

Discover non-alcoholic drinks that taste good. There is now a wide range of non-alcoholic beers, wines and cocktails that can make it easier to give up alcohol.

4. identify triggers

Analyze situations in which you normally drink alcohol and plan alternative activities to avoid temptation.

5. reflect and document progress

Make a note of how you feel physically, emotionally and mentally and remind yourself of the positive effects to keep motivating yourself to drink in moderation.

6. plan for rewards

Allow yourself small rewards for intermediate goals that you have achieved to keep you motivated.

7. professional help (if you find it difficult to keep the month going)

Are you counting down the days until the end of January until you can finally drink again? This could be a serious sign of an unfavorable relationship with alcohol. In this case, it helps to contact a counseling center such as the life coaching provided by pme Familienservice.

Dry for the long term: tips for the time after "Dry January"

The difficult part is sticking with it in the long term. We often abandon regulatory strategies without offering a substitute. For the simple resolution: "I won't drink from tomorrow!" to be successful in the long term, a sustainable strategy is needed. "As soon as external stimuli such as stress, excessive demands or loneliness are added, a quick relapse is inevitable," emphasizes nutrition expert Giannina Schmelling. These tips will help you stay abstinent in the long term.

1. also set clear and realistic goals for the time afterwards

After a "withdrawal phase", there is a risk of "overcompensating" in the following months, in which you consume more alcohol to compensate for the loss. You should therefore set clear and realistic goals for the time afterwards and consider in January how you want to manage your alcohol consumption in the long term.

2. introduce conscious drinking rules

"No alcohol on weekdays" or "No more than two drinks per occasion" are examples of drinking rules. These self-restrictions help to avoid relapsing into old habits.

3. look for like-minded people

It can sometimes be very difficult to cut down on alcohol consumption if your best friends or family members drink alcohol. Look for like-minded people who are also following your path - for example, an online group or a new sports group to keep you motivated in the long term.

4. take the lessons learned from Dry January to heart

Long-term motivation is the most difficult thing. Take the above tips to heart and reflect on the changes you notice. Are you already feeling better physically, have you already been able to save money that you didn't spend on alcohol or have you already made new friends who are joining you on your new path?

5. consult with an expert if necessary

If you are unsure how to develop a healthy approach to alcohol, consider seeking medical or therapeutic advice. Especially after regular consumption, professional support can help you find a long-term balance.

Health impulses with the pme "Healthy Bites"

Looking for a small portion of well-being? Our "Healthy Bites" give you ideas for more relaxation, balance, activity and feel-good moments in your everyday work and private life.

They are not a substitute for professional help from counselors and psychologists. Please seek professional advice, for example from pme Familienservice Lebenslagen-Coaching, if you have addiction problems, permanent depression, persistent disproportionate stress and deeper mental problems.

Portrait photo of Laura Rohsius

Laura Rohsius

Consultant Parent & Child, pme Familienservice

As a graduate in education and educational science, Laura Rohsius has in-depth specialist knowledge of all aspects of having children, becoming and being parents, as well as all colorful parenting and family topics. She is also well versed in child protection.