View Mothers:Pregnancy
Pregnancy Confirmation
Pregnancy tests can be found in all pharmacies. Some brands have an illustrated instruction sheet in simple English. Larger or international pharmacies carry imported brands. Pregnancy is considered to be ten months in Japan, starting from the week of your last period. Getting your pregnancy confirmed by a doctor is not covered by Japanese health insurance, so ask the clinic or hospital how much it will be beforehand.
Fertility issues
There are a number of fertility clinics for women or couples trying to conceive. English-speaking services are also available. First you should go to a regular doctor or gynaecologist, who may refer you to a specialist in a hospital or fertility clinic. Western women generally find fertility specialists in Japan to be kind, caring, and very thorough.
The beginning of the ‘Baby Paper Chase’
You must register your pregnancy at your local ward or community branch office. Take your alien registration card and the Notice of Pregnancy completed by your doctor. You will then receive the Mother-Child Handbook, which will be completed by your doctor or caregiver and is a record of your pregnancy, the birth, and your child’ s immunizations and physical examinations. You will also receive an envelope filled with coupons and more information. The coupons entitle you to two free pregnancy check-up tests.
Prenatal check-ups
Prenatal checks in Japan are made once a month until the seventh month, twice a month until the ninth month, and once a week thereafter. Tests include urine, blood pressure, weight gain, and ultrasounds. A ‘normal’ pregnancy and birth are not covered by the Japanese national health insurance scheme, but complications usually are.
Physical health
Weight gain anticipated for Japanese women is 7.5-9.5kg, while doctors in the West believe anything between 10-15kg is fine.
Maternity wear
Unless you are blessed with a petite, gamine physique you may want to take your measurements and get a beloved friend or family member to pick up a few maternity wardrobe staples for you from your own country and mail them to you. Catalogue shopping is another option.
Working outside the home/ Maternity and child care leave
You must be given six weeks leave before the due date or ten weeks if carrying more than one child. After giving birth, you are not permitted to return to work for eight weeks. Mothers and fathers are entitled to one year of child care leave from the day of the birth to the day of the child’s first birthday.
Miscarriage
If you suffer a miscarriage you should go to a hospital or clinic immediately. You may be required to stay in the hospital for several days. Counselling will not be provided, as miscarriage is seen as a natural process in Japan.
Mental health
Probably one of the most important things for a foreign woman in Japan, including a mother-to-be, is to stay connected with what you consider to be your most significant support groups: friends, family back home, your partner or your spouse.