A new child is a joyous occasion. But many women worry about whether or not their employer will hold their job for them while they are having their baby. Pregnancy leave falls under the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993. A pregnant woman can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave after the baby is born. Her employer must allow her to return to her same job or to a job similar in pay and position.

Women who need paid pregnancy leaves do have options. Some employers offer paid pregnancy leaves as a benefit. Some women have enough sick, personal and vacation time to take to account for the time off after the baby is born. California, New Jersey and Washington have laws that require employers to give employees paid time off to care for themselves or a newborn in a health crisis. Pregnancy leave qualifies under those laws.