Early employment after childbirth: a cross-sectional analysis using data from a national maternity survey in England.

Background: Participation in paid work after childbirth may have important health and socioeconomic impacts on women and their families. We investigated women's employment patterns at six months postpartum and the factors that influence them.

Methods: Using data from a 2018 population-based national maternity survey in England, employment status at six months postpartum was assessed. Logistic regression was used to explore sociodemographic and pregnancy- and birth-related factors associated with being in paid work by six months postpartum. Descriptive analysis was used to explore employment characteristics and motivations of women in paid work.

Results: Of the 4313 participants included, 7.7% were in paid work by six months postpartum. Factors associated with being in paid work were age ≥35 years [(adjusted odd ratios (aOR):1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-1.84], not living with a partner (aOR:0.50, 95%CI:0.28-0.90), and pre-term birth (aOR:0.38, 95%CI:0.20-0.69). The most frequently reported motivation was financial need (76%), followed by wanting to work (41%). Financial need was associated with younger age, living in a more socioeconomically disadvantaged area, not living with a partner, and lower education level.

Conclusion: Postpartum employment patterns and motivations for working vary according to sociodemographic characteristics. These findings have important implications for parental leave and childcare policies, which should be equitable across different groups.