Being a parent

If you are working, you must inform your employer about your pregnancy at least 15 weeks before your baby's due date or as soon as possible.

It doesn't matter how long you've been employed - expectant mothers are entitled to paid leave to go to prenatal examinations and relaxation classes.

All expectant mothers are entitled to maternity leave. This will depend on how long you've worked at your current job:

• More than 26 weeks - you are entitled to up to one year's maternity leave
• Less than 26 weeks - you are entitled to leave, but there is no guarantee it will be paid

The earliest you can start your maternity leave is 11 weeks before your expected leave date, but the earlier you start your leave, the earlier you’ll need to return.

Visit GOV.UK for more information on maternity leave.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is money paid to you for up to 39 weeks while you are on maternity leave. Only some employees will be entitled to SMP. To qualify, you must earn an average of £123 per week on average for eight weeks before your qualifying week. You must also have worked for your current employer for at least 41 weeks before your baby is due.

With SMP you will get:

• 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first six weeks
• £184.09 or 90% of your annual weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks
• No pay for the last 13 weeks of your leave, if you choose to take them

If you are not eligible for SMP you may claim maternity allowance.

SMP is paid in the same way as your wages (for example monthly or weekly). Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.

For more information, see GOV.UK's information on maternity pay and leave.

Paternity leave allows expectant fathers to spend time with their partner and new baby. However, paternity leave can only begin after the baby is born. You don’t have to start it immediately when the baby arrives, but you must take it all in one go and you must use it within 56 days of the baby being born.

To qualify for paternity leave you must:

• Have a contract
• Have worked for your current employer for at least 41 weeks before the baby is due

You will receive one or two weeks off. You are also entitled to attend a minimum of two antenatal appointments with your partner.

Paternity pay is available to eligible working dads during their paternity leave. To qualify you must:

Visit GOV.UK for more information on paternity pay.

Parents are able to split the leave and pay available when their baby is born. This means fathers can take up to 26 weeks leave, depending how much unused maternity leave and pay their partner has.

Visit GOV.UK for more information on shared parental leave and pay.

You must register the birth within 42 days.

Please visit our register a birth webpages for more information.

Most benefits you are eligible for can be claimed as soon as your baby is born.

Please contact the service who pays your benefit to notify them of your change in circumstances. This might include:

• Job Seeker's Allowance
• Housing benefit

Registering with a GP

After your baby is born, inform your GP. They will give you an application form to register your baby there. You can't get an appointment for your baby unless they are registered as a patient.

If you aren't registered with a GP, please visit NHS Choices to find your nearest surgery.

Registering with a dentist

Your baby won't need a dentist right away - they have no teeth, after all - but there may be a waiting list for registering them.

The dentist's receptionist can offer advice on when your child should have their first appointment.

Parent and baby groups allow parents to meet other parents, get advice from professionals and generally have fun with your baby.

Visit our directory of support services to find a group that suits you.