The UK’s most comprehensive snapshot of pregnancy, parenthood and work
Produced in partnership with Women in Data®, Pregnant Then Screwed’s State of the Nation survey tracks the realities of pregnancy, parenthood and work across the UK.
Drawing on responses from over 5,000 women, State of the Nation 2026 examines how pregnancy and maternity discrimination, parental leave, childcare and workplace practices continue to shape the lives of mothers and families.
While some progress has been made in recent years, the findings show that too many mothers are still being pushed out of work, denied opportunities, forced to cut leave short, and left struggling to balance work and childcare.
Key Findings at a Glance
2. Parental leave is unaffordable for too many families.
82% of mothers who cut their maternity leave short said they simply could not afford to stay off longer. Lower income mothers are less likely to receive enhanced maternity pay and less able to stay on leave beyond the week 39 Statutory Maternity Pay cliff.
3. Flexible working is still being refused to those who need it most.
More than 1 in 10 parents who ask for flexible working are told no. Refusal rates are far higher for single parents and disabled parents, and 6 in 10 mothers granted flexible working say their workload stays exactly the same.
4. Childcare costs and shortages are determining whether mothers can work, progress, or have more children.
Nearly 3 in 10 mothers reduced their working hours because of childcare costs, 1 in 4 were unable to return full time and 2 in 5 say childcare costs are stopping them having more children.
5. If families can afford childcare, many cannot find provision to match their working hours or child’s needs
More than a quarter of parents waited more than 12 months for a childcare place and for parents of disabled children, 26% say there are simply no providers nearby.
6. Pregnancy and maternity discrimination remains widespread.
Nearly three quarters of mothers report experiencing pregnancy or maternity discrimination at work, and more than 1 in 3 who faced discrimination quit their job.
7. Too many employers are failing to meet basic legal duties.
Almost 1 in 4 pregnant employees never received the workplace risk assessment they are legally entitled to, rising to 44% in Northern Ireland and 40% among single pregnant employees.
8. Women are hiding fertility treatment, pregnancy loss and abortion because they fear workplace consequences.
Two thirds of women hid fertility treatment because they feared damage to their career and 35% of women chose not to tell their employer about their abortion because they were worried how their manager would react.
What the Report Found
Pregnancy and maternity discrimination remains widespread
Nearly three quarters of mothers experienced pregnancy or maternity discrimination at work, with more than one in three leaving their employer after experiencing discrimination.
The parental leave system is forcing mothers back too soon
Many families simply cannot afford to take the leave available to them. More than four in five mothers who cut maternity leave short said financial pressure was the reason.
Childcare costs are shaping work and family decisions
Childcare costs and shortages continue to influence whether mothers can work, progress in their careers and grow their families.
Some families face far greater barriers than others
Single mothers, disabled parents, parents of disabled children and lower-income families consistently experience worse outcomes across almost every measure.
Why This Matters
THE MOTHERHOOD PENALTY ISN’T ONE MOMENT.
IT’S A SYSTEM.
The motherhood penalty is not a single event. It is a system of economic, workplace and social disadvantage that begins before parenthood, intensifies during pregnancy and the early years, and continues throughout working life.
The findings show that these barriers are not experienced equally. Families already facing disadvantage are often hit hardest, with poorer access to enhanced leave, greater childcare costs, higher rates of discrimination and an increased risk of being pushed out of work altogether.
Read the Report
The report includes detailed findings on:
- Pregnancy and maternity discrimination
- Pregnancy-related illness and workplace treatment
- Parental leave and affordability
- Flexible working and workforce participation
- Childcare costs and availability
- The experiences of single parents, disabled parents and parents of disabled children
- Policy recommendations for governments across the UK
About State of the Nation
Launched in 2023, State of the Nation tracks the realities of pregnancy, parenthood and work across the UK.
The research provides an evidence base for campaigning, policy development and collective action to tackle the motherhood penalty and create a society where parents can work and care without penalty.
