Two holding hands
Parent & Child
15.05.2025 Ifenna Ekezie 903

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 5 tips on how to get through the day with little sleep

tired young woman in front of laptop
Body & Soul
10.03.2025 Gabriele Strasser 5950

5 tips on how to get through the day with little sleep

We all experience nights when we don't get enough sleep. The next day we are exhausted, listless and less productive. Here are five good tips on how to get through a tired day and which pitfalls to avoid.

Read more in this article:

Facts about sleep

    • A third of adults in Germany state that they regularly or occasionally do not sleep well.

    • Lack of sleep has a similar effect to alcohol - among other things, it restricts attention and concentration, and therefore also judgment.

    • Around 20 percent of fatal accidents in Germany are caused by fatigue.


Strategies against fatigue: 5 tips


1. hurry up and wait


You may want to compensate for your tiredness with a lot of speed - but right now it is important to keep a calm and level-headed pace. Even if it sounds unusual, meditation can give you a little energy boost.



2. the right setting


On tired days, it is particularly important that the surroundings are as distracting as possible and that you feel comfortable. 

This can help:


  • Ensure good lighting, if possible with natural light.

  • Make sure the room temperature is comfortable - neither too warm nor too cold (approx. 20 - 24 degrees Celsius).

  • Ventilate regularly, because sufficient oxygen is essential for concentration and productivity.
  • Reduce distractions by tidying up loose objects and documents at your workstation if necessary.

3. variety and activation


Make sure you keep moving and provide variety. For example, work standing up from time to time or change places. You can have light and healthy snacks such as nuts or apple slices as a small energy boost.


Tip: Chewing gum stimulates blood flow to the brain and therefore promotes concentration. A little massage on your face or earlobes can also do you good.



4. active breaks


If you work sitting down, get up during your break and leave your desk. A few stretching exercises work wonders to restore your energy and prevent tension. 

Always good for a little energy boost: take a short walk out into the fresh air or have a quick chat with colleagues.



5. stay hydrated


The body can only function properly if it is well hydrated. Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day, especially in the form of water. 

Herbal teas without added caffeine provide variety. A few splashes of cold water on the face or wrists will also help you feel fresher.



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This helps with work: clear time management, small rewards


If possible, take a strategic approach to planning your tasks, even on tired days.

At the beginning of the day, get an overview of everything that needs to be done and set realistic goals . Determine your priorities and schedule strenuous tasks into your most productive time slots.

Also define clear working hours and break times.


Tip: Pomodoro technique - for anyone who likes to procrastinate

The Pomodoro technique helps to structure the day: This involves working in a concentrated manner for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. After four such blocks of time, take a longer break of around 20 minutes.


 

Small rewards can also help on tired days. Think about what you can do to give yourself a little treat in between.



Caution, trap: these "aids" are counterproductive


Many popular weapons against fatigue satisfy a momentary need, but make it even harder to get through the day.


1. too much coffee


Too much caffeine can make you jittery and disrupt your sleep rhythm. Therefore, drink a maximum of two cups before lunch and stick to caffeine-free drinks for the rest of the day.


2. sitting for too long


When we are tired, we want to be as comfortable as possible. But sitting for long periods without variety usually makes us even more tired and also leads to tension.



3. heavy food


On tired days, fatty, sweet and salty foods are particularly tempting, as our body recognizes calorie-rich foods as quick sources of energy. However, the short-term sugar high is usually followed by an energy low.



A good end to a tired day


Finally done, the working day is over! The way you spend the evening sets the course for the next day. Of course, you can treat yourself to a series or a social media session, but set yourself a time limit. 

You should also continue to avoid caffeinated drinks and go to bed at your usual time despite being tired in order to return to a healthy sleep rhythm.

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.