1. Prenatal leave

Prenatal leave is a statutory benefit for female employees in China. In general, a female employee who is more than seven months pregnant and meets any of the following conditions is entitled to two and a half months of prenatal leave:

The employee applies for the leave, and the employer approves it based on work arrangements.

A medical institution at or above the secondary level certifies that the employee has conditions that may affect normal childbirth, such as a history of habitual miscarriage, severe pregnancy syndromes, or pregnancy complications. The employee then applies for leave.

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2. Maternity leave, childbirth leave, and breastfeeding leave

Under Shanghai's family planning regulations, for couples who give birth in accordance with China's laws and regulations, the mother, in addition to the national maternity leave of 98 days, may take an additional 60 days of childbirth leave, for a total of 158 days.

If the birth involves dystocia (difficult labor), an additional 15 days are granted. For multiple births, an additional 15 days are granted for each additional child.

After maternity leave ends, if a female employee faces difficulties and work arrangements permit, she may apply for 6.5 months of breastfeeding leave, subject to her employer's approval.

Employers are required to pay female employees on breastfeeding leave at least 80 percent of their wage income before the leave. Employees on breastfeeding leave are not required to work.

Q: How to apply for maternity leave social insurance subsidies?

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3. Paternity leave for male employees

In Shanghai, for a couple who gives birth in accordance with laws and regulations, the father is entitled to 10 days of paternity leave, regardless of whether it is their first or second child.

Paternity leave must be taken continuously during the mother's maternity leave. The leave includes weekends but excludes public holidays. If a public holiday falls during paternity leave, the leave will be extended accordingly.

During paternity leave, the employee is entitled to receive his full salary.

4. Frequently asked questions

(1) What labor protections do pregnant employees enjoy?

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(2) Are maternity leave, paternity leave, and marriage leave extended when overlapping with public holidays?

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Updated Sept 21, 2026