(1) The father is to pay the mother maintenance for a period of six weeks before and eight weeks after the birth of the child. This also applies to the costs that arise as a result of the pregnancy or the delivery outside this period.
(2) To the extent that the mother does not pursue gainful employment because as a result of the pregnancy or of an illness caused by the pregnancy or the delivery she is incapable of doing so, the father is obliged to pay her maintenance for a period exceeding the period set out in subsection (1) sentence 1. The same applies to the extent that the mother cannot be expected to pursue gainful employment by reason of the care for or child-rearing of the child. The obligation to maintain begins at the earliest four months before the birth and continues for at least three years after the birth. It is extended, as long as and to the extent that this is equitable. Here, particular account is to be taken of the concerns of the child and the existing possibilities of childcare.
(3) The provisions of the obligation to maintain between relatives are to be applied accordingly. The obligation of the father takes precedence over the obligation of the relatives of the mother. Section 1613 (2) applies accordingly. The claim does not expire on the death of the father.
(4) If the father cares for the child, he has the claim under subsection (2) sentence 2 against the mother. In this case, subsection (3) applies accordingly.