Antenatal Appointments
What rights do you have to attend antenatal appointments? Understand paid time off for pregnancy appointments and your partner's rights.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
The right to time off for antenatal appointments helps pregnant employees attend essential healthcare.
Rights for Pregnant Employees
Statutory Right
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Paid time off | For antenatal care |
| Reasonable time | Including travel |
| Day one right | No qualifying period |
| Cannot be refused | If legitimate |
What's Covered
| Appointment Type | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Midwife appointments | Yes |
| GP appointments | Yes |
| Hospital scans | Yes |
| Blood tests | Yes |
| Consultant appointments | Yes |
| Antenatal classes | If medical recommendation |
What's Included
| Element | Covered |
|---|---|
| Appointment time | Yes |
| Travel time | Yes |
| Reasonable time | For type of appointment |
Employer Rights
First Appointment
| First Visit | Rules |
|---|---|
| No evidence needed | Must be allowed |
| Cannot refuse | Automatic right |
Subsequent Appointments
| After First | Employer Can Ask For |
|---|---|
| Appointment proof | Card or letter |
| Pregnancy confirmation | MATB1 or equivalent |
| But cannot refuse | Legitimate appointments |
What Employer Cannot Do
| Prohibited | Why |
|---|---|
| Refuse all time off | Statutory right |
| Require use of holiday | Must be paid time off |
| Reduce pay | Normal pay continues |
| Treat less favourably | Discrimination |
Practical Arrangements
Booking Appointments
| Consideration | Advice |
|---|---|
| Give notice | Where possible |
| Be reasonable | Balance with work |
| Communicate | Keep employer informed |
If Appointments Frequent
| Situation | Approach |
|---|---|
| High-risk pregnancy | More appointments needed |
| Communicate | Explain situation |
| Employer accommodates | Within reason |
Partners' Rights
Statutory Entitlement
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unpaid time off | For antenatal appointments |
| Up to 2 appointments | Maximum number |
| 6.5 hours each | Maximum duration |
| Day one right | No qualifying period |
Who Qualifies
| Person | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Father of the child | Yes |
| Pregnant person's partner | Yes |
| Spouse/civil partner | Yes |
| Intended parent (surrogacy) | Yes |
Evidence
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Declaration | That you qualify |
| Relationship | To pregnant person |
| Appointment details | If requested |
Agency Workers
Rights
| After | Entitled To |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks in role | Same right as employees |
| Paid time off | For antenatal care |
| Same protections | From detriment |
IVF and Fertility Treatment
Legal Position
| Treatment | Right to Time Off |
|---|---|
| IVF (before implantation) | Not automatic right |
| After implantation | Antenatal rights apply |
| Employer's policy | May allow |
Good Practice
| Consideration | Approach |
|---|---|
| Many employers allow | Flexible arrangements |
| Discuss with employer | What's possible |
| Annual leave | Alternative if needed |
Documentation
What to Provide
| If Asked | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Appointment card | Showing date/time |
| Letter from clinic | Confirming appointment |
| MATB1 | Proof of pregnancy |
What Not Required
| Cannot Demand | Why |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis details | Privacy |
| Medical notes | Confidential |
| Excessive proof | Unreasonable |
If Problems Arise
If Employer Refuses
| Action | Step |
|---|---|
| Explain right | Statutory entitlement |
| Put in writing | Your request |
| Grievance | If continues to refuse |
| Seek advice | ACAS, union |
Legal Claims
| If Denied | Claim For |
|---|---|
| Detriment | Treating worse |
| Discrimination | Pregnancy discrimination |
| Tribunal | Time limit 3 months |
Protection
| Cannot Be | For |
|---|---|
| Dismissed | Attending appointments |
| Treated worse | Taking time off |
| Penalised | Exercising rights |
Practical Tips
For Employees
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Give notice | Where possible |
| Keep records | Of appointments |
| Be flexible | If appointments can vary |
| Communicate | Any issues |
Scheduling
| If Possible | Consider |
|---|---|
| Start/end of day | Less disruptive |
| Combine appointments | Where practical |
| Be reasonable | Balance needs |
But Remember
| Right | Cannot Be Compromised |
|---|---|
| Attend appointments | Must be allowed |
| Paid time | For pregnant employees |
| Cannot be forced | To use leave instead |
Antenatal Classes
When Covered
| Classes | Covered If |
|---|---|
| Relaxation | Recommended by medical |
| Parentcraft | Part of antenatal care |
| NHS classes | Usually covered |
| Private classes | Less certain |
Check with Employer
| Discuss | What's Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Medical recommendation | Strengthens case |
| Specific classes | May need evidence |
| Frequency | Be reasonable |
Record Keeping
Keep Copies Of
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Appointment cards | Proof of attendance |
| Requests made | Evidence |
| Employer responses | Documentation |
If Going to Tribunal
Good records prove:
- Appointments were legitimate
- Requests were made
- Employer's response
- Any detriment suffered
Summary
Pregnant Employees
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Paid time off | All antenatal appointments |
| Including travel | Reasonable time |
| Cannot be refused | Statutory right |
Partners
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unpaid time off | Up to 2 appointments |
| Maximum 6.5 hours | Each appointment |
| Day one right | No qualifying service |
Related answers
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I get paid time off for antenatal appointments?
- Yes. Pregnant employees have the right to paid time off for antenatal care recommended by a doctor, midwife, or nurse. This includes travel time. Your employer cannot refuse reasonable requests.
- Can my employer refuse time off for appointments?
- No. Time off for antenatal appointments is a statutory right. After the first appointment, your employer can ask for proof (appointment card) and confirmation of pregnancy, but cannot refuse time off for legitimate appointments.
- Do partners get time off for antenatal appointments?
- Partners have a statutory right to unpaid time off for up to two antenatal appointments (maximum 6.5 hours each). This applies to fathers, partners, and those who will have parental responsibility.