Pregnancy in Japan - Tips and Facts

In this article, we will see some tips, experiences and curiosities related to pregnancy in Japan. Japan faces a huge birth problem , and pregnancy is one of the solutions to end this problem, so the government has done several projects to encourage pregnancy in Japan. Unfortunately Japan allows abortion in some cases, and this ends up disturbing the country's birth rate.

Japan has a traditional and rigid culture, being a single mother or getting pregnant before marriage is usually considered dishonorable. Several things end up causing mothers to not want to have children. One of the main reasons is employment, about 60% of the women who end up having a child stop working. Another serious problem is that 1 in 5 pregnant women end up facing discrimination within companies. Some even hide their pregnancy for fear of losing a position. Others end up taking risks at work.

Pregnancy in japan

Duties of women during pregnancy

Women in Japan need to go through some procedures to have a good pregnancy and receive government support. The first step is to have a health plan, something that is kind of mandatory for everyone who lives in Japan. Being regular and paying taxes correctly will also influence the numerous benefits that the government offers.

The first step when finding out with a pregnancy test (妊娠検査薬 – Ninshin kensa-yaku) is to schedule a medical examination and request the nishin todoke that serves as proof of pregnancy. With this proof, you must go to your city hall or public health center to continue the process.

It doesn't matter if you are a foreigner, in some cities in Japan you receive all assistance in your own language. Women can be absent from work with medical guidance or prenatal examination. A pregnant woman can apply for 6 weeks of maternity leave before giving birth and 8 weeks after the baby is born.

This right does not apply to all female workers, you must make sure of more local details first. The employer is not obliged to pay wages during maternity leave, but those who have shakai hoken receive government assistance.

The local government may offer two free exams during pregnancy, as childbirth and other exams are not covered by health insurance. However, if the pregnant woman is registered with the shakai hoken or kokumin hoken , after paying for the delivery and having the child, she can receive government aid of 350,000 yen and that can exceed 500,000. If a woman is unable to pay for childbirth, there is a birth support system (nyuuin josan seido).

Pregnancy in japan

Pregnancy aids and incentives in Japan

Despite the problems, Japanese women wish to have a child, even those who live in the corporate world. The government does its part with a series of incentives before, during, and after pregnancy.

During the initial stages of pregnancy, the woman will receive various materials to assist her during the gestation period. Some books, notebooks, diaries, and even a keychain (mataniti maaku) that serves to show that the person is pregnant and thus receive priority in transport and other places. Free lectures are held that teach all the details of pregnancy and baby care.

Japan is very concerned about pregnancy, with check-ups scheduled every 2 weeks in the first and third trimesters. There are more than 15, and most of them include ultrasounds.

When having their first child, a nurse may visit the parents for guidance. Up to the baby's first 13 months, parents are entitled to 3 free consultations. Don't forget to carry out all the oriented procedures during pregnancy so you don't miss any benefits.

Pregnancy in japan

Facts about pregnancy in Japan

Not all hospitals in Japan offer epidural pain relief for childbirth. Some believe that pain during childbirth will facilitate the bond between mother and child.

Japanese doctors encourage women to take fruits, vegetables and milk as their vitamins rather than suggesting supplements from pharmacies. Although doctors may suggest taking folic acid or other vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy.

In other countries, pregnant women are advised not to eat any raw food like sushi or tea. However, doctors in Japan allow women to eat this, in fact some consider it a part of good prenatal nutrition.

We recommend reading: Can pregnant women eat sushi? What are the risks? Which ones to choose? 

Only mothers and their babies are allowed to stay in the hospital before and after the delivery. Partners and relatives can only visit during visiting hours.

There are several other details about pregnancy in Japan that should be carefully researched. I hope you have enjoyed this article, if you remember anything interesting that was not mentioned in the article, leave your comments below.

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