In this article, we will see some tips, experiences, and curiosities related to pregnancy in Japan. Japan faces a major birthrate problem, and pregnancy is one of the solutions to end this issue, so the government has undertaken various projects to encourage pregnancy in Japan. Unfortunately, Japan allows abortion in some cases, which ends up hindering the country’s birthrate.
Japan has a traditional and rigid culture; being a single mother or having children before marriage is often considered disgraceful. Various factors lead mothers not to want to have children. One of the main reasons is employment; about 60% of women who end up having children 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 their position. Others end up exposing themselves to risks at work.
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Duties of women during pregnancy
Women in Japan need to undergo certain procedures to have a good pregnancy and receive support from the government. The first step is to have health insurance, which is somewhat mandatory for everyone living in Japan. Being regular and paying taxes correctly will also influence the numerous benefits that the government offers.
The first step upon discovering with a pregnancy test (妊娠検査薬 – Ninshin kensa-yaku) is to schedule a medical examination and request the nishin todoke, which 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 take time off work with medical guidance or prenatal exams. The pregnant woman can request 6 weeks of maternity leave before the birth and 8 weeks after the baby is born.
This right does not apply to all workers; you should check for more local details beforehand. The employer is not obligated to pay remuneration during maternity leave, but those who have shakai hoken receive assistance from the government.
The local government may offer two free exams during pregnancy; however, childbirth and other exams are not covered by health insurance. However, if the pregnant woman is registered with shakai hoken or kokumin hoken, after paying for childbirth and having the baby, she can receive government assistance of 350,000 yen, which can exceed 500,000. If the woman cannot afford to pay for childbirth, there is a maternity assistance system (nyuuin josan seido).
Assistance and incentives for pregnancy in Japan
Despite the problems, Japanese women wish to have a child, even those living in the corporate world. The government does its part with a series of incentives before, during, and after pregnancy.
During the initial pregnancy process, the woman will receive various materials to help her during the gestation period. Some books, notebooks, diaries, and even a keychain (mataniti maaku) that serves to indicate that the person is pregnant and thus receive priority in transportation and other places. Free lectures are held that teach all the details of pregnancy and baby care.
Japan is very concerned about pregnancy; consultations are held every 2 weeks in the first and third trimesters. There are more than 15, and most include ultrasounds.
Upon having the first child, a nurse may visit the parents to provide guidance. Until the first 13 months of the baby, parents are entitled to 3 free consultations. Don’t forget to follow all the procedures recommended during pregnancy to not miss any benefits.
Curiosities about pregnancy in Japan
Not all hospitals in Japan offer epidural pain relief for childbirth. Some believe that the pain during childbirth will facilitate the bond between mother and child.
Japanese doctors encourage women to eat fruits, vegetables, and milk as their vitamins instead of suggesting pharmacy supplements. 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 such as sushi or drink tea. However, doctors in Japan allow women to eat this; in fact, some consider it part of good prenatal nutrition.
We recommend reading: Can pregnant women eat sushi? What are the risks? Which to choose?
Only mothers and their babies are allowed to stay in the hospital before and after childbirth. Partners and relatives can only visit during visiting hours.
There are many other details about pregnancy in Japan that should be researched carefully. I hope you enjoyed this article; if you remember something interesting that was not mentioned in the article, please leave your comments below.
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