Future parenthood, studying and employment

If you’re pregnant and are unable to attend a class because of a health problem related to your pregnancy, your absence does not generally speaking have any particular consequences. It is however appropriate to inform the teaching staff member concerned of your absence.

If the class entails an attendance check, you will give a copy of the medical certificate to your Faculty’s secretariat or directly to the teaching staff member, in accordance with the procedures laid down in your programme’s study regulations.

If you’re unable to attend an examination due to health reasons, it is essential that you inform your Faculty’s secretariat prior to the date of the examination and present a medical certificate, in accordance with the procedure laid down in your programme’s study regulations.

See :

• UNIL Health Centre - free confidential consultations and breastfeeding premises

If you’re pregnant and you participate in hazardous activites or practical work, inform the person responsible for the activity of your condition and they will contact UniSEP's pregnancy protection specialists in order to assess the strenuousness and hazardousness of these tasks. If you are planning to have a child, are pregnant or breastfeeding, don't hesitate to contact them directly for a risk analysis (all inquiries are treated confidentially).

See :

• Directive 1.38. of the University of Lausanne Rectorate Protection de la santé des personnes enceintes et allaitantes (PDF)

If you’re pregnant and engaged in gainful employment in parallel to your studies, you are entitled to protective measures and specific rights related to your employment.