Can a teacher postpone her maternity leave outside school holidays?
Verified 20 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Yes, any pregnant woman may postpone 3 weeks maximum of prenatal leave (at the end of pregnancy) on her postnatal leave (after childbirth), if she has a favorable medical opinion.
For example, if your maternity leave starts during school holidays, you can request the postponement of your prenatal leave by up to 3 weeks on your postnatal leave, as prescribed by your doctor.
Your request for postponement cannot be refused by your employer administration.
The deferral is not possible in case of multiple pregnancy.
The duration of maternity leave varies, under the following conditions, depending on the number of children already dependent:
Status of the unborn child | Length of prenatal leave (before delivery) | Duration of postnatal leave (after delivery) | Total duration of maternity leave |
|---|---|---|---|
1er child | 6 weeks | 10 weeks | 16 weeks |
2e child | 6 weeks | 10 weeks | 16 weeks |
3e child or more | 8 weeks | 18 weeks | 26 weeks |
Example :
A teacher pregnant with her 1er The child, whose 16-week maternity leave is due to start on 25 July, may postpone the start of her leave to a maximum of 15 August.
Start of maternity leave | End of maternity leave | Prenatal Leave | Postnatal Leave | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional maternity leave | July 25 | November 13 | 6 weeks | 10 weeks |
Maternity leave with 3-week deferral | August 15 | December 4 | 3 weeks | 13 weeks |
You must send an written request to your management department.
This request must be accompanied by a medical certificate authorizing the postponement established by the doctor, gynecologist or midwife who follows your pregnancy.
The medical certificate specifies the number of days to be postponed, either in one go for a maximum of 3 weeks, or for a period set by your doctor and renewable up to 3 weeks.
Your application must be submitted no later than 1er the day of the prenatal leave initially scheduled.
In the event of a work stoppage during the postponed period, the postponement shall be immediately canceled and the prenatal leave shall start on 1er day of work stoppage.
If you are a contractor, you must also send your request for postponement and the medical certificate to your CPAM: titleContent.