When you are pregnant (妊娠・出産)

What the city office gives you. The Maternal and Child Health Handbook. Tickets for prenatal checkups with public support. Advice from public health nurses. Information on parents’ classes.

How often to have checkups.

• Until week 23: once every 4 weeks
• Weeks 24 to 35: once every 2 weeks
• From week 36: once a week

Home visits. A public health nurse or midwife can visit your home for free. Ask your city office.

Costs. Normal childbirth is usually not covered by health insurance. Surgery such as a C-section is covered. The lump-sum allowance helps with delivery costs. The hospital can usually receive it directly, so you do not pay the full amount at the counter.

Leave from work. If you have health insurance at work and take unpaid maternity leave, you may get a childbirth allowance (出産手当金).

Pregnancy support benefit (妊婦のための支援給付). After a doctor confirms the baby’s heartbeat, you can apply at the city office where you are registered. You get 50,000 yen. From 8 weeks before your due date, report how many babies you are expecting, and you get 50,000 yen per baby. You also talk with a public health nurse when you apply. Some cities let you choose coupons instead of cash.