Top Tips For Working Preggy Moms

Pregnancy is an exciting time! But it can be really challenging too.  When you’re not dealing with the physical changes of pregnancy (morning sickness, swollen feet, and the inability to reach your toes), you’re at the doctor for a check-up or running around buying things to get ready for the arrival of your baby. And for working moms, it can almost feel like pregnancy is a full-time job on top of your full-time job!

In a few months though, it’ll seem like maternity leave is your much-awaited finish line! So you’ll want to get things done so that you can have your baby, take your leave, and eventually return to work with the confidence that you took care of the usual paperwork that comes with being an employed mom-to-be.  For the pregnant working mom, these are the things you need to do to enjoy maternity benefits mandated by law. Here are the top things you need to know.

What You’re Entitled To:

• Maternity Leave

In the Philippines, moms who undergo normal delivery are allowed 60 days maternity leave, while moms who deliver through caesarian section are given 78 days. As of this writing, the Expanded Maternity Leave Act which will give moms 100 days of maternity leave has not been signed into a law.

• SSS Maternity Benefits

Think of all the SSS contributions you’ve made. It’s now time for your contributions to work for you! The SSS Maternity Benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female SSS member who is unable to work after giving birth or after suffering a miscarriage. You are qualified if you’ve paid at least 3 monthly contributions 12 months before childbirth or miscarriage. This benefit is only for the first 4 deliveries or miscarriages. The amount depends on your average daily salary and the condition of your pregnancy. According to SSS, “for normal delivery, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy without operation, or H-mole: you will get your average daily salary credit multiplied by 60 days. For caesarian section and ectopic pregnancy with an operation, you will get your average daily salary credit multiplied by 78 days.”

• PhilHealth Benefits

If you are a member of PhilHealth, you can avail the Maternity Care Package that offers health services during the antenatal period, normal delivery and post-partum period, including follow-up visits within 72 hours and 1 week after delivery. Level 1 hospitals have a coverage amount of Php8,000, broken down as Php6,500 for professional fees, medicine, laboratory fees, and room fees, and Php1,500 for prenatal care services. While Level 2 to 4 hospitals offer a coverage amount of Php6,500, broken down as P5,000 for professional fees and medical facilities, and Php1,500 for prenatal care expenses. Meanwhile caesarean section has a Php19,000 availment.

Preggy Working Mom Checklist

Here are the things you need to get done as early as you can.

1.       Take a trip to your HR Department. Inform them about the pregnancy. You’ll need to fill out a form called the Maternity Notification Form or the SSS FORM MAT-1 together with proof of pregnancy, such as your ultrasound report. Also prepare a photocopy of your SSS Biometrics ID Card of two valid IDs, both with signature and at least 1 with photo and date with birth.

2.       Also fill out the SSS FORM MAT-2 or the Maternity Reimbursement Form. There is a computation for your daily allowance depending on your salary. But the maximum covered earning is Php16,000. So even if you earn more than that, your maximum salary coverage will remain at Php16,000. If you’d like to compute your allowance, check the maternity benefit chart here. You should receive your benefit before you go on maternity leave.

3.       For your PhilHealth benefits, make sure that your PhilHealth Member Data Record is updated. You should also have at least 3 months’ worth of premium contributions 6 months prior to the first day of your confinement. Make sure to bring a copy of your Member Data Record, a valid ID, supporting documents such as your marriage certificate, and an accomplished claim form when you get to the hospital. Simply present these documents to the billing section before you’re discharged. 

Talk To Your Boss

Informing your boss about your pregnancy as early as possible is an important step. This sends the message that you value your work immensely, and that you’re planning and preparing for the months to come. This allows you the time to prioritize your tasks before you give birth.

It’s also important to keep communication lines open especially if you experience difficulties in your pregnancy. Keeping your boss and colleagues informed will get you the right level of support should you require time out of the normal work schedule.

Becoming a Mom Boss

You’re about to be promoted to your biggest role yet—you’re going to be a mom! Instead of stressing over issues that come with an expanding tummy and an expanding career, savor each pregnant moment. And most important, get the paperwork done and over with so you can focus on what’s most important—your work, your baby, your family, and yourself.