|
1 Childbirth in Japan
Pregnancy Test
You should get a check-up if you think you might be pregnant. You can do this yourself, using a pregnancy test kit from a drug store. However, having the test done by a gynecologist is recommended.
Where to Give Birth
There are obstetrics departments found within general hospitals, independent hospitals (clinics), specified clinics and midwife clinics. Find a place that can facilitate your required delivery method and where you will feel at ease during the pre and postnatal period. Do not hesitate to ask questions regarding your concerns to the physicians, midwives or nurses. It is important to choose a place where you will feel comfortable communicating with the medical staff.
List of Obstetrics・Hospitals
| Name |
Telephone |
Address |
Interpreter |
|
|
|
|
| Kamo Hospital |
31-1511 |
Motoshiro-cho 3-18 |
Portuguese, Spanish (regularly)
Nepali, English (ask beforehand) |
| Toyota Memorial Hospital |
28-0100 |
Heiwa-cho 1-1 |
Some language medical booklets are available |
| Uchida Hospital |
32-3120 |
Kanda-cho 1-10 |
|
| Suzuki Hospital |
33-8051 |
Tsukimi-cho 1-20-8 |
|
| Suzumura Obstetric Clinic |
33-2351 |
Wakamiya-cho 8-1-6 |
|
| Takeuchi Obstetric Hospital |
32-1531 |
Kosaka-cho 1-2-1 |
|
| Akane Clinic |
37-8686 |
Eisei-cho 4-13 |
|
| Hirose midwife Clinic |
52-6685 |
Tsutsumi-cho kanda 75 |
|
|
【Interpretation】 Only in an emergency will Toyota International Association find interpreters in the following languages. (twice /one case)
English Mandarin Spanish Portuguese
Thai Korean Tagalong Indonesian |
|
For more information:
Toyota International Association (TEL: 0565-33-5931)
Period of Hospitalization
Normal delivery・・・about one week
Caesarian section・・・10 days to two weeks
(2) Costs of Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs related to Pregnancy and Childbirth (as of August 2003)
The average charge for the first visit・・・about \5,000
Pregnancy test only・・・about \2,500
Regular check-up・・・about \2,000〜\25,000 (depending on the type of examination)
Delivery an Hospital Charges
Normal delivery・・・about \320,000〜\350,000
Caesarian section・・・about \450,000〜\500,000
・Health Insurance is not accepted for normal deliveries, as pregnancy is not considered a disease. Please prepare for these expenses in advance.
・If you have Japanese National Health Insurance, you will either receive a lump sum of money for the childbirth or a childbirth allowance (about \300,000)
For more information:
National Health Insurance⇒Toyota City Hall National Health Insurance & Pension Division (TEL: 0565-31-1212)
Others⇒Contact the health insurance society or social insurance office at place of employment.
・In order to declare a tax deduction for medical expenses incurred, retain all receipts for medical fees and transportation fares to and from the medical facilities.
For more information:
Toyota Taxation Office (TEL: 0565-35-7777)
・The AMDA International Medical Information Center publishes a booklet "From Pregnancy to Childcare - how to prepare for childbirth in Japan" It costs \1,575 and is produced in 7 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese.
A video is also available. Please contact following information.
| Application |
(as of November 2004) |
|
The AMDA International Medical Information Center
address: 〒160-0021 c/o Kabuki-cho Post Office
Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
phone: 03-5285-8086
You can also get information from their homepage
|
|
Financial assistance for hospital charges
For those in economic difficulty, there is financial assistance available. Contact a support group in advance. (see pg.37) There is also a loan system for childbirth. Please contact city hall for further information.
(3) Maternal and Child Health Handbook Issue of Maternal and Child Health Handbook
When you become aware of your pregnancy, you should obtain a maternal and child health handbook. It contains health condition references for the mother and child from pregnancy and childbirth through the child rearing stages. These records are used as a reference when giving health guidance. It can be obtained from the city hall upon submission of a "notification of pregnancy" certificate issued by a physician.
Those who have not registered as foreign residents in Japan or have no status of residence is can still obtain this handbook.
For more information:
Toyota city hall Children's Division (TEL: 0565-31-1212)
Handbook in other languages
Handbooks in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian and Tagalong are available at the city hall, for no charge.
For more information:
Toyota city hall Children's Division (TEL: 0565-31-1212)
Also available at Boshi Hoken Jigyoudan (charge)
|
Boshi Hoken Jigyoudan
address: 5-53-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
phone: 03-3499-3120
|
|
Pregnancy is not a disease, though it still affects the body. Maintain a healthy level of nutrition and rest. It is very important to get regular health check-ups and attend childbirth preparation classes with your partner. If you have any questions or concerns please share them with your physicians, midwives and nurses.
Pregnancy Toxemia
During pregnancy, be aware of the risk of pregnancy toxemia. It is characterized by hypertension, edema and protein in the urine. If present, this usually appears at about 20 weeks into pregnancy. Without prompt treatment it can develop into a serious condition for both the mother and child.
Prevention
Rest−Pregnancy is not a disease, however you are carrying another life inside of you. It is very important to make time to relax and calm the body both physically and mentally.
Diet−Follow the physician's advise.
Exercise−Be aware of weight gain. Attending maternity sport classes is a good way to stay active.
|
