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Pregnancy and work: antenatal appointments come with paid time off

Q: What the law gives?

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (section 55), a pregnant employee has the right to time off during working hours to attend an antenatal appointment made on the advice of a doctor, midwife or nurse. And that time is paid at the normal hourly rate — section 56. Antenatal care is not only medical check-ups but can include, for example, parenting classes recommended by a professional.

A pregnant employee does not have to use holiday or ask «as a favour» to attend an appointment. By law, antenatal appointments come with paid time off work.

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A pregnant woman by a window — Antenatal appointments come with paid time off work. Photo: ONLYWAY NEWS

Antenatal appointments fall in working hours — and the law allows for that.

What the law gives

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (section 55), a pregnant employee has the right to time off during working hours to attend an antenatal appointment made on the advice of a doctor, midwife or nurse. And that time is paid at the normal hourly rate — section 56. Antenatal care is not only medical check-ups but can include, for example, parenting classes recommended by a professional.

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What the employer may ask for

From the second appointment onward, the employer may ask for proof: a certificate of pregnancy and an appointment card. No proof is needed for the very first appointment. The employer cannot refuse this right or penalise you for using it.

The expectant mother's partner has a separate right — to accompany her to a limited number of antenatal appointments (that time is unpaid).

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Published 25 October 2026, 15:30 1 min read Editorial desk of the British newspaper ONLYWAY NEWS - LONDON - UK

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