pregnancy

When Becoming Pregnant


1-1 Report Your Pregnancy and Receive your Maternal and Child Health Handbook

As soon as you find out you are pregnant, submit a notification of your pregnancy. Fill out a “Pregnancy Report” form, which is obtained from healthcare facilities (obstetrics), and submit the form to the Domestic Health Division of your ward office or Public Health and Welfare Division of your general branch office.

You will be issued a Maternal and Child Health Handbook that will aid you in maintenance of your health, and in which you should record you and your child's health status during pregnancy, delivery, and after giving birth.

The date/time and place at which you will be issued your Maternal and Child Health Handbook will depend on the ward office/general city branch office. In cases where your schedule does not allow for you to receive your handbook on the designated day, you can consult with the ward office/general city branch office beforehand. At the time when you receive your handbook, you will need to have identification such as a driver’s license, health insurance card, or any other document that displays your address to verify that you are a Sendai City resident. You will be issued a number materials, so it may help to bring a large bag.

There are cases in which an hour-long explanatory meeting will be given when issuing your handbook. The meeting will cover topics such as the use of your handbook, introduction to health and welfare services, and things to be careful of while pregnant.

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1-2 Get a Pregnancy Health Examination

The Pregnancy General Health Examination

The Pregnancy General Health Examination is intended to confirm the growth of the baby and the physical condition of the mother, as well as being a precaution to discover illnesses quickly, so please get examined regularly. You should take the Pregnancy General Health Examination according to the schedule below, totaling fourteen times during your pregnancy:

· 0th week-23rd week (up to the end of the 6th month) once per four weeks
· 24th week-35th week (7th month to the end of the 9th month) once per two weeks
· 36th week (10th month) until childbirth once per week

In order to get an examination, you must have a Pregnancy General Health Examination Aid Slip, which is issued by the City of Sendai. Pregnancy General Health Examination Aid Slips are issued along with the Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and are contained within the Maternal and Child Health Handbook Supplement. You must fill out the required blanks on the aid slip and submit it when you go to get your examination.

The Pregnancy Dental Health Examination

It is said that those who are pregnant are prone to gingivitis, and bleeding or swelling of the gums is more likely to occur. The City of Sendai offers free dental examination and consultations to protect the dental health of those who are pregnant. You will be notified both when you are issued your Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and via the Sendai City Newsletter. (Appointment required.)

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1-3 Participate in the Mother (or Mother & Father) Education Class

There is a free education class where mothers and their husbands can learn about pregnancy, delivery, and nursing. They will acquire the knowledge and skills needed through practical training, actual experiences, and group learning. Various materials will be covered corresponding to the development of the baby. Pregnant mothers can also meet and talk with other pregnant mothers living in the same area. It can be a good opportunity to make new Japanese friends, so please feel free to attend. The dates and times of the class depend on your ward.

Note: Some healthcare facilities hold their own mother/mother & father education classes, so be sure to inquire at your own hospital or clinic.

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