Pregnancy tools
Maternity leave calculator UK
Enter your due date to see the dates your employer works to: when to tell them, when your MATB1 is available, the earliest day your leave can start and when it ends. Add your weekly pay for a Statutory Maternity Pay estimate at 2026/27 rates.
Your maternity dates appear hereEnter your due date to start.
Comfort for the weeks ahead
The dates your employer works to
Maternity rules are built around your expected week of childbirth: the Sunday-to-Saturday week in which your baby is due. The other dates count back from that week.
- Tell your employer by the end of the 15th week before it, known as the qualifying week: that you are pregnant, the week your baby is due and when you want your leave to start.
- Earliest start: your leave can start up to 11 weeks before that week.
- Automatic start: if you are off work with a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before that week, your leave starts automatically.
- MATB1: your midwife or GP can give you the certificate no more than 20 weeks before your due date.
How long maternity leave lasts
Statutory Maternity Leave is 52 weeks: 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave followed by 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. You do not have to take all of it, but you must take 2 weeks after the birth (4 weeks if you work in a factory). If you want to go back before the end of your leave, give your employer at least 8 weeks' notice. You may also be able to share some of your leave with your partner as Shared Parental Leave.
Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks. You get 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks. To qualify you must earn on average at least £129 a week and have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks, continuing into the qualifying week. Give at least 28 days' notice of when you want your pay to start, with your MATB1.
The flat rate changes each April, so weeks paid after April 2027 will use the new rate once it is announced. If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance instead. Many employers pay more than the statutory amount, so check your contract or staff handbook.
Questions
When do I have to tell my employer I am pregnant?
By the end of the 15th week before the week your baby is due. The calculator shows that exact date. You can tell them earlier, and you are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments.
What is the qualifying week?
It is the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth. It is used to check whether you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, and its last day is the deadline for telling your employer.
How is Statutory Maternity Pay worked out?
90% of your average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings if that is lower, for 33 weeks (2026/27 rates). It is taxed in the same way as your normal pay.
What happens if my baby arrives early?
If your leave has not started yet, it starts the day after the birth. Let your employer know the date of birth as soon as you can.
Is all of my maternity leave paid?
Statutory Maternity Pay covers up to 39 of the 52 weeks. The last 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers more.
Is it the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
These rules apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland publishes its own guidance on nidirect.gov.uk, so check it there for any differences.
Sources
Last reviewed 13 October 2026. These tools give estimates for information only and are not medical or legal advice. Your midwife, GP or fertility clinic confirms your dates; your employer and gov.uk confirm your leave and pay.