What If Your Maid Gets Pregnant in Singapore?
Finding out that your maid is pregnant can be emotional and stressful. This guide explains how to respond calmly, what to consider under Work Permit conditions in Singapore, and how to support your helper while also protecting your family and staying within the law.
At a glance
In Singapore, Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) are employed on a Work Permit with specific conditions. Pregnancy can affect her work status, living arrangements and long-term plans. At the same time, she is also a person going through a major life event who deserves to be treated with basic dignity and respect.
This guide focuses on:
- What employers should know about rules and risks
- Practical steps to take when you suspect or confirm pregnancy
- How to speak with your helper in a calm, supportive and clear way
- How Honest Recruiter can support you with realistic options
MOM rules, risks & realities
Work Permit holders, including FDWs, are subject to specific conditions set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These conditions can change over time, so you should always check the latest official guidance.
In general, you should be aware that:
- Pregnancy can have serious implications for an FDW’s Work Permit status.
- There may be reporting obligations to MOM if a Work Permit holder becomes pregnant.
- Ignorance of the rules is not a defence — employers are expected to abide by Work Permit conditions.
At the same time, there are also human and practical considerations:
- Your helper’s health and safety, including proper antenatal care
- The emotional impact on your household and on her
- How to plan for continuity of care for your children, elderly or home
Practical steps if your helper is pregnant
If you suspect or know that your maid is pregnant, here is a structured way to respond.
Confirm the facts calmly
Avoid jumping to conclusions based only on rumours or physical changes. Instead:
- Have a private conversation with your helper in a calm tone
- Ask her directly if she is pregnant and whether she has seen a doctor
- Encourage her to seek medical confirmation if she is unsure
The goal is to be clear about the situation before deciding on any next steps.
Prioritise health and safety
Pregnancy is a health matter as well as an employment issue. Consider:
- Whether her current duties (e.g. heavy lifting, climbing, night work) are safe for her condition
- Encouraging her to see a doctor or clinic for professional medical advice
- Checking her insurance policy to understand what is covered
Always discourage unsafe or illegal actions (e.g. unlicensed abortions, harmful self-medication).
Inform your maid agency early
Once pregnancy is confirmed, contact your maid agency and share:
- How far along the pregnancy is (if known)
- Her current job duties and any safety concerns
- Any medical reports she has already obtained
Your agency can guide you on employment, housing and repatriation options in line with MOM rules and your service agreement.
Check the latest MOM requirements
Because regulations and procedures can change, it is important to:
- Refer to the current MOM website for Work Permit and pregnancy guidelines
- Clarify whether there are any reporting obligations as an employer
- Seek clarification from MOM if you are unsure about your responsibilities
Your maid agency can help explain, but the final authority is always MOM.
Plan for continuity of care at home
Whether your helper continues for a short period or stops work, you may need to:
- Arrange interim support (e.g. HSS part-time cleaners, short-term help)
- Consider a replacement helper if long-term care is affected
- Adjust your expectations and routines temporarily
Honest Recruiter can help you with replacement planning if your current helper cannot continue.
How to talk to your helper with empathy
Pregnancy is deeply personal. While you may be worried or disappointed, how you respond can make a big difference to her emotional state and your ability to manage the situation constructively.
1. Choose the right time and place
Have the conversation:
- In private, without children or other family members listening in
- When both of you have enough time to talk calmly
- In a tone that is firm but respectful
2. Ask open, non-judgmental questions
Examples of helpful questions:
- “Have you seen a doctor yet? How many weeks along are you?”
- “How are you feeling physically and emotionally?”
- “What are your plans and what support do you have from your family or partner?”
3. Be clear about boundaries and responsibilities
You can be kind and still clear. For example:
- Explain that there are Work Permit rules you both must follow
- Clarify that you will need to inform the agency / MOM and cannot simply ignore the situation
- Share honestly if you are concerned about safety or the ability to continue employment
4. Avoid threats or humiliation
Even if you are upset, avoid:
- Shouting, name-calling or personal insults
- Threatening physical harm or unlawful confinement
- Posting about her situation on social media
A respectful conversation makes it easier for everyone to cooperate and follow proper procedures.
Employment, housing and next steps
Once the situation is confirmed and you have spoken to your agency and MOM, you will need to decide on practical next steps.
1. Can she safely continue working for a period?
Depending on her health, stage of pregnancy and the nature of her duties, it may or may not be safe or appropriate for her to continue working. Consider:
- Whether tasks can be adjusted to reduce heavy or risky work
- How long you realistically need coverage at home
- Medical advice from a doctor
2. Planning for replacement or transition
If employment cannot continue, your agency can help you:
- Plan for a replacement helper, where allowed under your package
- Arrange temporary support (e.g. HSS part-time cleaners) during the transition
- Coordinate travel or alternative arrangements for your helper, in line with MOM requirements
3. Handling salary, leave and notice periods
You should discuss with your agency and, where needed, seek professional advice on:
- Final salary and any outstanding payments
- Notice periods and whether they are worked or waived
- Any leave taken for medical appointments
4. Documentation and record-keeping
Keep records of:
- Key conversations (dates and main points)
- Medical certificates, if any are provided
- Communication with your agency and MOM
Good documentation protects both you and your helper and makes it easier to explain the situation if needed later.
Frequently asked questions
- Listen to your situation and understand your concerns
- Explain your service agreement, replacement options and next steps
- Help coordinate conversations with your helper
- Support you as you follow the latest MOM guidelines and, where needed, seek legal or professional advice
