One of the most common questions during pregnancy is: when does a working woman go on leave and how many days does it last? The answer is set out clearly in the Labour Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Below we explain in plain language what the law says.
How long is pregnancy and childbirth leave?
Under the Labour Code, working women are granted paid leave for pregnancy and childbirth for 126 calendar days (Labour Code, Article 125, Part 1).
These 126 days consist of two parts:
| Period | Duration |
|---|---|
| Before childbirth | 70 calendar days |
| After childbirth | 56 calendar days |
| Total | 126 calendar days |
The law counts the leave in calendar days. This means every day of the week is counted, not only working days.
What changes after a complicated birth or the birth of twins?
The Labour Code also covers special cases. After a complicated birth or the birth of two or more children (twins), the post-birth part of the leave is not 56 but 70 calendar days (Labour Code, Article 125, Part 1).
So in these cases, 70 days before birth and 70 days after birth together make 140 calendar days.
For women working in agriculture
Part 2 of Article 125 of the Labour Code provides longer periods for women working in agriculture. If you work in this sector, it is advisable to read the text of that part or consult a lawyer to confirm the period that applies to you.
What does "paid leave" mean?
The law calls this leave paid, meaning that although the woman does not go to work during this period, the leave is not unpaid. How the payment is calculated and in what amount is governed by separate rules; in this article we cover only the periods set by the Labour Code.
Practical tips
In addition to the legal requirements, the following simple steps make the process easier:
- Calculate your leave start date in advance: the pre-birth part is 70 calendar days.
- Communicate with your employer in writing — so there is a documented record of your request and the reply.
- Keep your medical documents (related to pregnancy and childbirth) in order.
- If the birth was complicated or twins were born, remember that the post-birth part is 70 days.
- If a doubtful or disputed situation arises, contact a lawyer.
Summary
- Working women are granted 126 calendar days of paid leave for pregnancy and childbirth.
- Of these, 70 days are before birth and 56 days after birth.
- After a complicated birth or the birth of twins, the post-birth part is 70 days.
- Women working in agriculture have longer periods (Article 125, Part 2).
- Legal basis: Labour Code, Article 125.
Have a question about your leave rights? Write to Estavor Hüquq: +994 77 739 10 12
📚 Sources
🌐 The original article is in Azerbaijani; the official sources are available in Azerbaijani.
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