I do not think that maternity leave is given to convert all pending "in the closet" case. Maternity leave - this time, designed to prepare for childbirth and nursing him in the first few months after birth. And if you use this time, as it should, then you still have about him the most pleasant memories. In 1952 in Geneva at the International Labour Conference has been developed by the Maternity Protection Convention, which are reflected on the rights of women before and after childbirth. Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR The Convention was ratified July 6, 1956, came into force from August 10, 1957

Currently, maternity leave is reflected in the following legislation:

• the Federal Law of the Russian Federation dated 29.12.2006. № 255-FZ;
• Articles 255, 256, 260, 261, 93 of the Labour Code;
• in the decision of the Constitutional Court on 22.03.07.

For example, in Article 255 of the Labour Code states that women are entitled to maternity leave of 70 (in the case of twins, triplets, etc. - 84) calendar days before childbirth and 70 (in the case of complications in childbirth - 86, the birth of two or more children - 110) calendar days after delivery. If deliveries came to 30 weeks of pregnancy (including the birth of a dead child), the duration of maternity leave is 156 days.

Maternity leave is granted to women in full, regardless of the number of days used prior to delivery. Paid maternity leave in the average earnings of women calculated for the last year, prior to the commencement of maternity leave (the amount is not taxed). The right to maternity leave have also broken woman.

Other benefits for pregnant women

In addition (Article 260 of the Labour Code), the woman is given the opportunity to take regular annual paid holidays and use it directly in front of maternity leave or after it. In accordance with Article 93 of the Labour Code a woman during pregnancy (if it has a recommendation of the doctor) can work part-time or part-week.

Parental leave and leave to care for a child - it's not the same thing. Maternity leave is given for a period of 70 days after delivery based on the medical certificate issued by the women's advice and leave for child care is provided in accordance with the statement of the woman until the child is three years. Maternity leave is interrupted when a woman came to the end of a job.

Labour law (Article 123 of the Labour Code) also provides for the possibility of another husband paid leave due to maternity leave of his wife (may be different from the poor health situation of women to the domestic difficulties).

There are also other cash benefits for pregnant women: for example, if a woman is registered in the antenatal clinic up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, she was paid an allowance of 300 rubles at birth - 6000 rubles, 500 rubles per month paid childcare 1 to 5 years. To such a benefit has been credited, should be on the job to write an application for the calculation of benefits, provide a certificate from the registrar's office of the child's birth certificate from the employer of the other parent that this benefit is not assigned.

The monthly allowance is calculated on the children in those families where the average income per family member does not exceed the subsistence level established for the region of the Russian Federation.

How best to spend maternity leave

It is best to maternity leave to be held in accordance with its purpose: to restore physical health and mental balance of a pregnant woman and her baby. For this woman has much of his time on the fresh air, walk more, alternating walking with rest. A pregnant woman should sleep 8-9 hours a day.

It is better if the classes will bring a woman pleasure: interesting books, relaxing music, walks in the woods and the park, buying "dowry" for the baby - all of this will affect the mental balance, and hence the health of the pregnant woman. Of course, it is not necessary during maternity leave to leave their place of permanent residence: any riding can not affect the status of the pregnant woman and nobody can anticipate how her body will react to such exposure.

Beautiful, calming pastime to a pregnant woman - knitting. You can link or booties cap unborn baby, as you can - a scarf for my husband. Just do not forget that you can not stay long in the same position.

Female consultations always hold special training courses for pregnant women: how to eat, how to behave during childbirth, which exercises Myths about exercise: do not believe   you need to do, etc. It is not necessary to give up these courses: the benefit will bring not only knowledge, but also chat with other pregnant women.

Maternity leave - a great time!

  Galina Romanenko

No matter how well you are prepared for pregnancy, you can not foresee all the various changes that occur in your body. During the first trimester (first three months of the date of the last menstrual period), these changes will help your baby grow and prepare your body for feeding baby Breastfeeding - a personal choice . Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the coming months of pregnancy and learn to distinguish between simple signs that bring discomfort and signs that there may be serious problems during pregnancy.

What to expect: the changes in your body

• Pregnancy in all women passes differently. Some women simply glow healthy and energetic during the first three months, while others feel very bad. Here are some changes that may have happened, their meaning and what you can do to relieve the problems, as well as signs that you should seek medical advice.
• Bleeding. About 25% of women may experience light bleeding during the first trimester. At the beginning of pregnancy small spotting can be a sign that the fertilized embryo attach to the uterus. However, if you have heavy bleeding, cramping and severe pain in the lower abdomen, see your doctor. These may be signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy where the embryo attaches outside the uterus).
• Breast tenderness. Painful breasts - one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. They are caused by hormonal changes that prepare your milk ducts to the feeding of the child, and may last the entire first trimester. Purchase bra size larger or wearing a supportive bra may relieve you from the discomfort. You can go back to lace bra after stop breastfeeding.
• Constipation. During pregnancy, the muscle contraction that usually propels food through the intestines, slows down because of the increased levels of the hormone progesterone. Add to that the additional intake of iron contained in prenatal vitamins, and the result is a bad constipation and gases, which give you the feeling of constant swelling during pregnancy. Increase the intake of fiber and drink plenty of fluids to smooth out the problem. Physical activity can also help in this situation. If constipation really annoys you, talk to your doctor about which laxatives are safe during pregnancy.
• Selections. It is normal to notice a small, milky-white discharge (called bleach) at the beginning of pregnancy. You can wear panty liners, if you so will be more convenient, but use tampons, because they can bring germs into the vagina. But if the discharge smells bad, green or yellow light, or if a lot of discharge, consult a doctor.
• Fatigue. Your body works hard to keep the growing embryo, and it can lead you to the fatigue. Lie down to take a nap or just relax during the day, if you feel tired. Make sure that you are getting enough iron (if it is not enough, it leads to anemia, which causes fatigue).
• The desire for a certain kind of food and aversion to food. Although you do not want to eat a bucket of peppermint ice cream, garnished with pickled cucumbers, as it was made earlier to consider your tastes may have changed when you are pregnant. More than 60% are in need of a particular food, and more than half of them feel an aversion to food, as they say the study. Aversion to food is not so bad if it is not strong, and you still get a healthy diet. An exception could be pica - need to eat inedible, for example, clay, dirt, laundry starch, then you should inform your doctor.
• Frequent urination. Your baby is still very small, but your uterus enlarges and puts pressure on the bladder. As a result, you will feel constant desire to go to the toilet. Continue to drink fluids, your body needs it, but reduce the intake of caffeine (which stimulates the bladder), especially before going to bed Dreams: how to understand our dreams . When you feel the call of nature, to respond to it immediately. Do not tolerate.
• Heartburn. During pregnancy, your body produces more hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle, including muscles of the lower esophagus, which typically inhibit food and acid in your stomach. A relaxation of these muscles can lead to acid reflux and simply speaking to heartburn. To prevent heartburn, eat frequent, small meals throughout the day, do not lie down immediately after eating, avoid fatty, spicy and acidic foods (such as citrus). You can also raise higher cushion when it is bedtime.
• Mood swings. Increased fatigue and hormonal changes can trigger you have mood swings - you may feel elated, something to be unhappy, whimsical and funky. It is quite normal to cry, but if you feel overwhelmed, find someone to whom you can complain if you do not your second half, but at least a friend or family member.
• Morning sickness. Nausea - one of the most universal signs of pregnancy, which occurs in 85% of pregnant women. This is the result of hormonal changes in the body that can last throughout the first trimester. Some pregnant nausea, mild, while others can not start their day without vomiting. Particularly severe nausea in the morning (hence the term "morning sickness"). To reduce it, try to make small, light snacks something high in protein (which can be crackers, meat or cheese), in small sips to drink water, natural fruit juice (apple) or ginger ale. Avoid any food that makes you sick to vomiting. Worried about nausea is not necessary, but if it lasts a long time or gets worse, it may affect the amount of nutrients that a child receives, so contact your doctor if vomiting does not stop and no food you will not be delayed.
• The increase in weight. Pregnancy - one of the few periods in a woman's life when the weight gain is a good phenomenon, but do not overdo it. During the first trimester you should gain about 3-6 pounds (the doctor may advise you to control your weight in one direction or another, if you pluck or do not get in the weight). While you are carrying another person, do not try to follow the principle of "eating for two". You only need 150 extra calories a day How many calories a day you need to lose weight - everyone has their own rate   during the first trimester. Get those calories with the help of a healthy diet Healthy eating - do not limit yourself to eating Adding to the diet of more fruits and vegetables, milk, whole-grain bread and lean meat.
• Visible veins. The blue veins in the abdomen, chest and legs can become more visible as your body produces more blood and the heart beats faster during pregnancy. You may appear spider veins - tiny blood vessels, the rays emanating from the center like a spider's legs - on the face, neck and hands.
• Skin changes. People may notice your "pregnancy glow" that is, when your skin is pink and shiny, is the result of increased blood flow. The hormones of pregnancy can make your skin a little oily and thus provoke the outbreak of acne.

Warning signs

Any of these symptoms can be signs that a pregnancy is something wrong. Do not wait for your scheduled visit. Consult your doctor immediately if:

• you have severe pain in the abdomen
• severe bleeding
• severe dizziness
• rapid weight gain (more than 6, 5 pounds per month) or too little weight gain (less than 2 pounds per month by the end of the first trimester).