Pregnancy in Japan: Key Vocabulary and Information about Giving Birth in Tokyo

Expecting a baby in Japan? In this blog article, we will be taking a look at various useful vocabulary words in Japanese related to pregnancy and childbirth!

We will also be sharing with you some information about giving birth in Tokyo, such as: what being pregnant in Japan is like, a list of English-friendly hospitals in Tokyo and some information about childbirth financial aid in Japan.

ALSO CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE ON:

• Going to a Hospital in Japan
• The Complete List of Japanese Hospital-related Vocabulary
• Guide to Going to a Gynecologist in Japan

Key Vocabulary for Pregnancy and Childbirth

General Terms 

Below is a table of general medical words you may need to know when going for a medical checkup in Japan.

Pregnancy in Japan – General Terms vocabulary list

Pregnancy & Childbirth 

The table below consists of common terms used during pregnancy and childbirth in Japanese!

Pregnancy in Japan – Pregnancy and Childbirth vocabulary list

The Baby 

This table includes words and sentences in Japanese you can use after giving birth to your baby!

Pregnancy in Japan – Baby vocabulary list

Being Pregnant in Japan 
In Japan, the locals see pregnancy as a period for women to discipline themselves both mentally and physically. There is a huge “gaman” culture, which translates to ‘enduring’ or ‘bearing with it’. Hence, most Japanese women choose to give birth ‘naturally’ and not receive any kind of pain relief at all.
As a matter of fact, pain relief such as anesthetic is not a common thing at all in Japanese hospitals. So if you are looking to receive pain relief during your pregnancy and/or childbirth, do make sure to double-check with your hospital!
Did you know that in Japan, fathers are not always permitted at birth? In some hospitals, fathers are required to wait in the waiting room while the mother gives birth in the delivery room. This is because having the father present during birth can be distracting to the doctor. Though it may be a different case in every hospital, this is a good point to note when choosing the hospital you wish to deliver at!

Maternity Mark keyring

In Japan, all expectant mothers are able to receive a Maternity Mark keyring from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This keyring is for showing strangers that special care should be given to you. For example, giving up a seat on the train or refraining from smoking near you. 

English-friendly Hospitals in Tokyo 

If you are finding for a hospital in Tokyo with services provided in English, rest assured that there are a couple in Tokyo which you can choose from!
Below we have included a list of some English-friendly hospitals in Tokyo.

1. Aiiku Hospital
2. Japanese Red Cross Medical Center
3. Sanno Hospital
4. Jikei Hospital, Women’s and Children’s Center
5. Seibo International Catholic Hospital
6. St Luke’s International Hospital

Financial Aid for Childbirth in Japan

If you are ensured by Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) or employed by a company in Japan, you are entitled to receive Japanese insurance benefits.
The government provides a lump sum called ‘Childbirth and Childcare Lump Sum Grant’ worth 420,000 yen, which can be used to cover the costs of giving birth.
Also, the government provides child allowance, at 15,000 yen per month until the age of three, and 10,000 yen per child per month until the third year of high school. 

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