Maternity covers everything from the moment you find out you are pregnant to the weeks after your baby arrives. It includes your legal rights, your medical journey, what to buy, what to pack, and how to prepare your body and mind. This guide covers all of it in one place for Singapore parents.
Maternity Leave in Singapore: Your Rights
Singapore law gives working mothers strong maternity leave protection. Here is what you are entitled to:
| Type | Entitlement | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Government-paid maternity leave (child 1 or 2) | 16 weeks | First 8 weeks employer, last 8 government |
| Government-paid maternity leave (child 3+) | 16 weeks | All 16 weeks government-funded |
| Shared parental leave | Up to 4 weeks transferred to father | Government-funded |
| Paternity leave | 2 weeks | Government-funded |
Calculate your exact leave entitlement with the Parental Leave Calculator.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Pack your hospital bag by week 36, earlier if you have any risk factors. Here is a practical checklist:
- For you: loose comfortable clothing, maternity pads, toiletries, slippers, nursing bra, phone charger
- For baby: 3 to 5 onesies, mittens, booties, a swaddle blanket, car seat (installed and ready)
- Documents: IC, birth certificate if applicable, birth plan, insurance details, hospital pre-registration forms
Writing a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a written document that tells your healthcare team your preferences for labour and delivery. It does not guarantee a specific birth experience, but it helps communication. Include your preferences on:
- Pain management options (epidural, water birth, gas and air)
- Who you want in the room during delivery
- Your preferences for skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth
- Cord clamping preferences
- Your wishes if there is a C-section
Your Antenatal Care Schedule
Regular check-ups are important throughout pregnancy. Track all your appointments with the Prenatal Appointment Scheduler and monitor your weight gain with the Weight Gain Tracker. The Pregnancy Week by Week Guide gives you a week-by-week breakdown of what to expect.
Your Maternity Journey Starts With Being Informed
Being well-informed makes the maternity journey less overwhelming. Know your rights, prepare your body, plan your care, and build your support system. Use the tools in the Pregnancy Tools hub to stay organised from conception through to your baby's first weeks at home. The earlier you plan, the more smoothly things go.