In Sweden, there is no general requirement for when to inform your employer that you are pregnant or becoming a parent. However, if an employee plans to take parental leave, the employee is required to inform their employer at least two months in advance.
As an employee and a prospective employee in the application process, you are protected against discrimination due to your pregnancy. Therefore, it should never be a disadvantage to discuss your pregnancy with your employer.
On the contrary, it may be important to mention your pregnancy early on if the work environment poses risks for pregnant employees, such as heavy lifting or work with hazardous substances. In such cases, the employer has an obligation to relocate you to a different job that does not involve such risks, or to allow you to leave with pregnancy benefits. If you, as an employee, have problems with pregnancy-related health issues, part-time or full-time sick leave may also be considered.
As an employee, you must agree with your employer regarding the visits you need to make to the midwife, as there is usually no legal right to leave for these visits. However, there may be collective agreements that provide certain rights.
Pregnant individuals have certain rights and protection against discrimination in the workplace. As an employer, you are not allowed to use pregnancy as a reason for discriminatory decisions, such as not hiring, not extending employment, or terminating someone.
If the work environment poses risks for a pregnant employee (also applies to new mothers and breastfeeding), you as an employer must relocate the employee. If relocation is not possible, the employee has the right to pregnancy benefits.
There is no legal right for pregnant individuals to attend midwife visits during working hours, but some collective agreements may provide the right to doctor's visits during working hours if necessary. The employee and you as the employer should try to reach an agreement regarding the appointment times. However, pregnant individuals have the right to take parental leave up to 60 days before the estimated due date, including for check-ups.