Being pregnant in Japan might be a very unique experience for someone if they and/or their partner is/are non-Japanese. I’d like to help non-Japanese people get ideas of what to do if they are pregnant in Japan.
What to Do If You Are Pregnant in Japan
Confirm the Pregnancy
Self Pregnancy Test
If you notice that you might be pregnant, you can check with self-pregnancy test.
You can buy it at drugstore / pharmacy.
Doctor’s Appointment
Also you need to go to see a doctor as same as in other countries. Once the doctor confirmed you are pregnant, here are things you need to do.
Going to Ward/City Office
Paperwork
You need to go to the city hall and hand in Ninshin todoke (妊娠届、にんしんとどけ) which is telling your ward/city that you are having a baby.
In addition, I got a lot of things from them.
- Announcement for the class for parents to be
- Boshi techo
- Maternity mark keychain
Classes for Parents to be
There are some classes for parents to be, which you can learn how women’s body would change through pregnancy, what you need to prepare to welcome a baby / babies, how to raise a kid / kids, etc.
The ward/city office gives you an announcement of classes (if they have one).
There might be some differences for how to make a reservation, if your partner can join, what month of pregnant to attend the class depending on each ward/city.
I made a reservation online and attended a class in 2nd trimester with my husband.
Boshi Techou : Mother & Child Health Handbook
This is one of Japanese culture that I like. We have Boshi techou (母子手帳、ぼしてちょう) which is written when/what vaccines the baby got, food allergy, height/weight, and progress of baby’s growing. This is very important in Japan, and you can also get Japanese/English written one at book store if you are comfortable with that.
It depends on ward/city, if they have the ones in English. I called the office in advance to make sure if they can give it to me. If not, you can find it online.
Maternity Mark : Keychain
As i wrote on another article, we have a keychain called “maternity mark”. You can get it at station and other places. I got one from the ward office when I went there to hand in the paperwork.
You can hang it on your purse or somewhere people can see. People might give you a seat on the train, bus, etc. I wouldn’t say it happens all the time, but it happens.
Some people say that they got bad experiences like someone told them “you shouldn’t think you can be treated well because of pregnancy”, or something like that.. it’s very sad.
However, i assume (+ want to believe) it happens some times.. so far i have never heard of anything from my friends. Or I haven’t experienced it yet. (Yes I’m pregnant now after the fertility treatment!)
To Do & Not to Do During Pregnancy
In Japan, the doctor might warn you that you need to be careful for what to eat during pregnancy.
Here are some examples that we often say in Japan, however it depends on your body and condition so you should discuss with your doctor.
No Raw Fish
As you know, Japanese people eat raw fish as sushi/sashimi, however usually a doctor tells you not to eat during your pregnancy.
No Raw Meat
I don’t know if you know this, but Japanese people eat raw meat too. But this is also what you shouldn’t eat during your pregnancy.
Less Caffeine
Some doctors say that you should be careful for caffeine. My doctor doesn’t say anything, but I’ve been trying not to take more than 3 cups of coffee tea each day, due to what WHO says.
It’s been not too difficult for me, because I can easily find less-caffeine or decaf drinks.
No Smoking / No Alcohol
It could be same in other countries, you shouldn’t smoke and drink alcohol.
Balanced meal & Vitamins
in Japan, you cannot gain a lot during pregnancy.. it’s strict. For that, doctors and midwives recommend you eating healthy and balanced.
Folic Acid – In Japan, we often get told to take enough folic acid. But I was not told in the US. You should ask your doctor.
When To Tell People Your Pregnancy?
Usually you don’t tell anyone at work until 5-6th months of your pregnancy which is called Antei ki (安定期、あんていき). If you have strong morning sickness, or some problems which could affect your performance at work, you might need to tell your boss earlier than that.
You can tell your parents (& in-law) anytime, I think. People also tell their friends around 3-6th months depending on how close they are to them.
Sankyu & Ikukyu – Maternity & Parenting Leave
Sankyu and Ikukyu are maternity & parenting leave. Sankyu is for giving a birth, and Ikukyu is for taking care of a baby (or babies) after birth. A man can also use the system of Ikukyu.
Japanese law protects those rights for women and men.
Giving a Birth in Japan
Some of my friends asked me if it’s true that most of Japanese women give a birth WITHOUT painkiller, so i wrote about it too!
Giving a birth in JAPAN – natural/painless, cost, hospital, meals, support, etc.
I am pregnant now and have some experiences with paperwork and other stuff. I hope i could explain well about the system and what to do if you are pregnant in Japan.
