In the interest of the health of pregnant women and their unborn child, a number of measures have been implemented by law for the benefit of pregnant women, one of which is to safeguard their health and safety in the workplace, ensure job security against dismissal and provide maternity leave (which includes both antenatal and postnatal leave).
Other provisions, such as regulations relating to breastfeeding were mainly implemented to allow women who have recently given birth to better accommodate their personal and professional lives.
A pregnant woman is understood to be any employee who is pregnant, and who has informed her employer by providing a medical certificate, sent by registered mail.