Written and reviewed by Susumu
Born and raised in Japan · Checked against Japanese law and ministry guidance
A complete guide to maternity care in Japan — prenatal checkups, choosing a hospital, and support services for international families.
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📌 Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional for medical or legal advice.
Introduction
Japan has one of the most thorough prenatal care systems in the world. Regular checkups are well-organised, costs are heavily subsidised, and municipal support services are available to all residents — including foreign nationals. This guide explains what to expect from the moment you confirm your pregnancy through to preparing for birth.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
If you think you may be pregnant, visit a gynaecology clinic (婦人科 — fujinka) or an obstetrics and gynaecology clinic (産科婦人科 — sanka fujinka). A urine test will confirm the pregnancy, and the doctor will check the foetal heartbeat by ultrasound, usually from around 6–8 weeks.
Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your next step is to visit your local city hall (市役所) or ward office (区役所) to submit the pregnancy notification form (妊娠届 — ninshin todoke). You will receive your Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳) and a booklet of prenatal checkup vouchers (妊婦健康診査受診票) on the same day.
Tip: Submit your pregnancy notification as early as possible — the checkup vouchers cover costs from your very first scheduled prenatal visit.
Prenatal Checkups (妊婦健康診査)
Japan recommends 14 prenatal checkups throughout pregnancy. The cost of each checkup is covered or heavily subsidised by your municipality through the vouchers provided with your Maternal and Child Health Handbook. Our guide to prenatal checkups covers what happens at each visit. You will attend more frequent checkups as your due date approaches.
| Stage | Frequency | Vouchers used |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 23 weeks | Every 4 weeks | 4 visits |
| 24–35 weeks | Every 2 weeks | 6 visits |
| 36 weeks to birth | Every week | 4 visits |
What Happens at Each Checkup
Every checkup includes a standard set of measurements and tests. Additional tests are added at specific stages of pregnancy.
Standard checks at every visit
- Weight and blood pressure
- Urine test (checking for protein and glucose)
- Abdominal measurement
- Foetal heartbeat check
- Ultrasound scan
Additional tests at specific stages
- Early pregnancy: Blood type, Rh factor, blood count, rubella antibody, hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis
- Around 24–28 weeks: Glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes screening)
- Around 36 weeks: Group B streptococcus (GBS) test
Results are recorded directly into your Maternal and Child Health Handbook at each visit. Keep it with you at all times during pregnancy.
Choosing Where to Give Birth
In Japan, you can give birth at a hospital (病院), a smaller obstetric clinic (産院 — san-in), or a midwife-led birthing centre (助産院 — josan-in). Each has different facilities and cost levels. Our guide to choosing where to give birth compares the three and explains why you register early.
- Hospital (病院): Best for high-risk pregnancies or those who want access to a NICU. Larger facilities, sometimes less personal. Tends to cost more.
- Obstetric clinic (産院): The most common choice. Smaller and more personal than a hospital. Many offer private rooms. Suitable for low-risk pregnancies.
- Midwife-led centre (助産院): A natural birth environment with no doctor on-site. Only suitable for very low-risk pregnancies. Not recommended if complications are possible.
⚠️ Book early: Popular obstetric clinics in Japan fill up quickly — sometimes within weeks of opening their books for a given month. Aim to register at your chosen facility by 10–12 weeks of pregnancy.