What to Do When You Become Pregnant
Counseling Section
Health and Welfare Center
Asao Ward Office
Tel: 965-5147
Get Your Mother and Child Health Handbook
To receive your Mother and Child Health Handbook maternity passbook, report your pregnancy to the Health and Welfare Center.
The Mother and Child Health Handbook is utilized both during and after the birth. You can also get a Mother and Child Health Handbook for children born outside of Japan.
A Mother and Child Health Handbook Guide in foreign language The Foreign Language Maternity Passbook Guide is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Indonesian, and Thai.
The handbook is provided free of charge.
Check-Ups During Your Pregnancy
It is advisable to get monthly check-ups during the early stages of your pregnancy twice or more a month during the latter stages .
You can also get certain kinds of check-ups at participating medical facilities located in the city during your pregnancy. (There is no charge for up to two check-ups. Note, however, that there may be change depending on the type of physical exam).
Information on how to apply for these check-ups is noted in your handbook.
Making a Reservation at a Medical Facility for the Birth of Your Child
You need to make a reservation at a hospital, clinic, or maternity center for the birth of your child.
In Japan, it is the normal procedure to give birth in a hospital.
There is also a system in place to assist people who lack the resources to enter a hospital. However, if you utilize this system, note that you cannot select the doctor or hospital of your choice. The system is open to persons of any residence status. A high income, however, would disqualify an individual from using the system.
Educating Yourself About Pregnancy and Birth
- Parental Classes
These classes instruct future parents on day-to-day living and meals during pregnancy,and preparation for giving birth and raising a child and soon.
Classes are given at medical facilities or at the Health and Welfare Center.
Parenting classes offered at the Center are free of charge, but please call to make a reservation. - Counseling
Counseling services on issues such as your health during your pregnancy, childbearing, and more are provided by public health nurses or midwife free of charge.
Contact the Health and Welfare Center if you require interpretation services.
What to Do as Your Due Date Approaches
Since you cannot use your National Health Insurance at the birth, be sure to bring sufficient cash.
The normal procedure is to enter a hospital on the advice of a doctor.
If you need to go to the hospital in an emergency, there is no charge for taking an ambulance.