In your own interests, you must report your pregnancy in good time by sending an email to zsb-mutterschutz@fau.de stating your name, degree program and predicted due date.

This information is used solely for reporting the pregnancy pursuant to the requirements of the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) and is only forwarded to Occupational Safety at FAU and nowhere else. The Student Advice Center (ZSB) makes a record of the notifications received and is happy to advise you on what action needs to be taken.

In addition, you should also inform the teaching staff of your lectures and seminars, particularly those who teach practical courses, lab courses and field trips, so that they can meet their obligations to safeguard the welfare of students who are pregnant. If your degree program is classed in accordance with the general risk assessment as entailing foreseeable risks for expectant mothers exceeding the normal risks of everyday life, we advise you to consult your subject advisor as well. Subject advisors are familiar with the structure of your degree program and can give an indication of which lectures or seminars you can safely attend and which courses it would be better to postpone until a later date.

If you are planning on sitting examinations during your pregnancy or if you have already registered for examinations, please also inform the relevant contact person at the Examinations Office of your pregnancy.

Contact

We are happy to advise you on what action needs to be taken, and we can help you to complete the form, and provide support if you have any questions about organizing your studies.

As a rule, course and practical course coordinators are obliged to carry out a risk assessment and to define the relevant protective measures for students (including maternity protection measures for pregnant or breastfeeding students). The risk assessment must be checked and adapted individually in conjunction with the student after notification of the pregnancy. The measures defined must be implemented.

Students who are pregnant are not permitted to carry out activities or be exposed to materials that may be hazardous to health. These include: hazardous materials, biological agents, cytostatic drugs, work involving significant physical strain, standing for long periods or increased risk of accidents. The risk assessment serves to analyze the risks posed to individuals caused by their degree program. Protective measures are taken in the event of any risks. As far as possible, no disadvantages should arise due to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. If students cannot participate in examinations or practical courses and laboratory courses or only to a limited extent, course achievements can be adapted and modified. The provisions of the Maternity Protection Act define legal periods of protection of six weeks before the calculated due date and eight weeks afterwards. The period of protection before the birth can be waived with the express permission of the student.

The student is not permitted to take part in any activities (e.g. lectures and seminars) after 8pm or on Sundays (e.g. weekend seminars) and public holidays. However, this ban can also be waived at the student’s request. The absolute ban on any activities related to the degree program after 10pm remains in place. Students who are pregnant or breastfeeding can be released from their obligation to attend classes for any appointments in connection with the pregnancy and for breastfeeding (twice a day for at least half an hour each time for the first twelve months).

Students can apply for leave of absence due to pregnancy or parental leave. It is granted on application to the Student Records Office.

• Regulations on requests for a leave of absence from studies
• Request for a leave of absence from studies, please submit with a copy of the birth certificate or a copy of the page from your antenatal booklet (“Mutterpass”) with estimated due date)