Medical Certificate for Maternity Leave
Key Takeaway
Yes — you can get a medical certificate for maternity leave, and in most cases, it’s a required part of formalising your time off.
Whether you visit your local GP or consult online, the certificate should confirm:
- You’re pregnant or recovering from childbirth
- You’re unfit for work for a specific period
If travelling to a clinic is difficult, a telehealth consultation allows you to get the documentation you need quickly and safely.
Pregnancy is an exciting yet demanding time — both physically and emotionally. As your due date approaches, you may need time off work to rest, attend medical appointments, or prepare for birth. But to formally take maternity leave, your employer may ask for a medical certificate confirming your condition and your need for time away from work.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a medical certificate for maternity leave — including how to obtain one online through a telehealth doctor.
What Is a Medical Certificate for Maternity Leave?
A maternity medical certificate is an official document issued by a registered medical practitioner that confirms:
- You are pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy-related condition
- You are (or will be) unfit for work for a specific period due to pregnancy or childbirth
It serves as supporting evidence for your maternity leave request, ensuring your employer can process your leave according to Fair Work Australia and workplace policy requirements.
A maternity certificate differs from a standard sick leave certificate, as it relates specifically to pregnancy, childbirth, or postnatal recovery.
Do You Need a Medical Certificate for Maternity Leave in Australia?
In short — yes, a medical certificate is often required as part of your maternity leave application or to verify any pregnancy-related absence from work.
Under Fair Work Australia, pregnant employees are generally entitled to:
- Up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service
- The option to request an additional 12 months of unpaid leave
- No safe job leave or special maternity leave if a pregnancy condition makes work unsafe or impossible
Your employer may ask for a medical certificate if:
- You are unable to perform your usual duties for pregnancy-related reasons
- You plan to continue working within six weeks of your expected due date (to confirm it’s safe to do so)
- You need to extend your maternity leave
Who Can Issue a Maternity Leave Medical Certificate?
A maternity medical certificate must be issued by a registered healthcare provider. Acceptable issuers include:
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Obstetricians
- Authorised midwives (in certain cases)
However, for workplace or Fair Work compliance, employers usually prefer certificates issued by a doctor rather than a midwife.
✅ Good news: You can also obtain a legally valid medical certificate online from an Australian-registered doctor after a real-time telehealth consultation. Online consultations are especially helpful in late pregnancy when travelling to a clinic can be difficult.
How to Get a Medical Certificate for Maternity Leave Online
Getting a certificate online is straightforward and secure.
Here’s how it works:
- Book an online appointment with an Australian-registered doctor.
- Discuss your situation — whether you need leave before or after childbirth.
- The doctor will assess your condition and issue a digital medical certificate, emailed to you directly after the consultation.
Online medical certificates are legally recognised in Australia as long as they’re issued after a real-time consultation by a qualified practitioner.
This is a convenient option for:
- Pregnant women experiencing fatigue or limited mobility.
- Those living in rural areas
- Employees needing documentation quickly for HR or payroll
How Long Can a Maternity Medical Certificate Cover
The duration depends on your individual circumstances:
- Short-term certificates: for temporary conditions (e.g., morning sickness, back pain).
- Longer-term certificates: for extended leave around childbirth or recovery.
A maternity medical certificate may cover anything from a single day for a medical appointment to several weeks if your doctor advises you to stop working before your parental leave begins.
*Please note that Instant Consult can only issue med cert for up to 3 days. For longer leave, please see your regular GP.
