Final answer:
Pregnancy benefits are typically payable after twelve weeks as recommended by the United Nations International Labor Organization in 1952. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 in the United States helped standardize protections for pregnant employees, although exact benefits can vary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pregnancy benefits, which often include time off and potentially some form of financial compensation, have varied greatly over time and between different countries. In the early and mid-20th century, industrial nations began to implement pregnancy benefit provisions, yet by 1950, in the United States, only Rhode Island had such state-level provisions.
It wasn't until the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 that federal legislation was introduced to protect pregnant employees. This act, alongside subsequent laws and amendments, helped shape the standards for pregnancy benefits in the U.S.
In a historical context, the United Nations International Labor Organization recommended in 1952 that pregnant women should be provided with medical coverage and twelve weeks of paid leave. Initially, there was resistance in the U.S. to such recommendations, but over time societal and legal views have shifted significantly.
It's important to note that whilst the recommendation was for twelve weeks, specific pregnancy benefits including the duration of payable leave can vary based on the employer, state laws, and federal laws in effect at the time of the pregnancy.