Pregnancy in Japan: A Foreign Mom’s Guide to Your First Prenatal Visit
Thursday, December 12, 2024
How to navigate the services and subsidies when you are pregnant in Japan.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Navigating prenatal care in a foreign country like Japan can feel overwhelming, but this guide will help you take the necessary steps to get started on your journey with confidence.
Step 1: Your First Prenatal Check-Up
Once you confirm your pregnancy with a home test, schedule your first prenatal appointment at a clinic or hospital.
Find a Clinic: Hospitals with international services for language-friendly options can be found here: https://japanhealthinfo.com/
Documents to Bring: Your health insurance card, residence card, and previous medical records.
Expectations: In Japan, doctors commonly confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound, estimate the due date, and provide advice for the first trimester. This may differ from practices that you are used it. If you are used to different protocols from your home country, or are consulting with a doctor abroad as well it is important to communicate that with your doctor from the very beginning so that your care plan can be adjusted accordingly.
Step 2: Visit the Ward or City Office
After your doctor confirms your pregnancy, visit your local ward or city office to register your pregnancy officially. (Mandatory step)
1. Maternal and Child Health Handbook (Boshi Kenko Techo)
You will receive this booklet, which will document your pregnancy, delivery, and the baby’s development up to six years old.
Request the handbook in your preferred language—most cities offer English, Chinese, Korean, and other translations.
2. Maternity Badge ("Ninshin Wakarimashita") – Recommended to carry everywhere you step out of your house.
Along with the handbook, the ward office provides a maternity badge. This small tag is meant to hang on your bag.
Why Use It?: It signals to others, especially in public transport, and public space, that you’re pregnant—even in early stages when it’s not obvious. This helps people offer you seats and assistance.
3. Coupons for Pregnancy-Related Care
The ward office provides a booklet of coupons to subsidize pregnancy-related healthcare costs. While the exact number and types of coupons may vary by city, here’s a general list:
Prenatal Check-Up 15 Coupons: Covers most of the regular pregnancy check-ups (up to 14–16 visits) including ultrasounds, blood tests, and urine tests. (Carry them in every doctor visit)
Gestational Diabetes Screening 1 Coupon: Covers specific tests like glucose tolerance testing.
Dental Check-Up 1 Coupon: Encourages expectant mothers to maintain oral health during pregnancy, as dental issues can affect pregnancy outcomes.
Multiple general Coupons: Coupons related to Babysitting, home cleaning, professional help, etc.
Step 3: Understand Your Rights as a Mom-to-Be
Workplace Protections
Reduced working hours and additional breaks are legally allowed during pregnancy as per the Labor law of Japan.
You are eligible to take maternity leave from 6 weeks (42 days) before your due date and up to 8 weeks (56 days) after your due date. During this time you will be eligible to in principle, you can receive the amount equivalent to two-thirds of your wages per day as childbirth allowance from your health insurance. However, if you receive wages from your employer during your leave, and the amount is greater than the childbirth allowance amount, you are not eligible to receive the childbirth allowance.
Healthcare Benefits
Japan’s national health insurance provides a lump-sum birth allowance (shussan ikuji ichijikin) of ¥500,000 to offset delivery costs.
Prenatal care is not completely free but is heavily subsidized via the coupons provided by the ward office. (Baby sitter and house cleaning staff are available on the discounted coupons vary from ¥500 - ¥2500)
Step 4: Make Use of Community Resources
Prenatal Classes: Ward offices or hospitals often organize classes on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Many are free and include language-friendly options. (Search for nearby HIROBA classes or ask your local ward office) - Free of cost
Counseling Services: Free consultations with midwives or specialists for any concerns related to pregnancy or parenting. (Check your preferred language day and do visit the ward office whenever you need any emotional and physical help).- Free of cost
Step 5: Frequent Prenatal Check-Ups
Initial pregnancy check-ups will be once a month (weeks 4–23)
Japan’s well-structured maternity support system ensures you have access to the necessary resources from the very start. Take full advantage of the services and subsidies provided by the ward office. With your maternal handbook, maternity badge, and coupons in hand, you’re ready to embark on this beautiful journey of motherhood in Japan!
