Pregnancy and birth

Preparing for pregnancy 

Even if you are not yet pregnant, a healthy lifestyle is already important. You can only be certain of a pregnancy after a pregnancy test.

Without hospitalisation insurance, the costs of childbirth can be high. Make sure to take out insurance before you become pregnant .

Sometimes getting pregnant is not straightforward or the pregnancy is terminated early. This can mark the beginning of a difficult period full of fear and uncertainty.

Just got pregnant: 0 to 3 months

Do you have questions about your rights and obligations as a pregnant employee? Schedule an advisory consultation with our pregnancy counsellor to inform Helan about your pregnancy and immediately receive all the correct information about leave and benefits.

Does your work situation involve health risks for you or your unborn child? Then you can request workplace removal.

Your delivery may still seem far away, but it is best not to wait too long to start your search for childcare. Places are limited, so acting early is recommended.

Many people only think about a midwife when the birth is approaching, but a midwife can already make a difference for you and your baby from as early as one month into the pregnancy.

During your pregnancy: 4 to 9 months

As your pregnancy nears its end, you qualify as an expectant mother for maternity leave and must also apply to Helan for your corresponding maternity allowance.

Prenatal exercises with a physiotherapist help you prepare physically and mentally for childbirth. You are reimbursed for 9 sessions through the statutory health insurance.

Postnatal care in the final month of your pregnancy is often a very welcome support. With assistance at home, you can take some time to rest before giving birth.

After the birth

You gave birth, congratulations!

Don’t forget to register your child with the civil registry of the city or municipality where the birth took place. Do this no later than 15 days after delivery.

If you have a copy of the birth certificate, submit it via the online birth file on My Helan  so we can also arrange your child’s registration with Helan in one step. Afterwards, the birth bonus of 150 euros per affiliated parent will be paid out, together with your maternity allowance.

After your delivery, the paternity leave of the father or co-parent also begins, and you will additionally receive a monthly child benefit (the former child allowance).

Return to work

After a few wonderful first months with your baby, you may return to work:

• If you resume work before the end of your maternity leave, please provide us with a certificate of resumption of work.
• Are you breastfeeding? Then you are entitled to breastfeeding leave and breaks.
• If your child is ill and you have to work, rely on childcare at a preferential rate thanks to Helan.

Spending more time with your child(ren) is possible thanks to parental leave.

If, on medical advice, you need to stay home a bit longer, you will be considered incapacitated for work.