Childbirth & Child-Rearing Guide
for Foreign Residents in Sendai

1-1 Report Your Pregnancy and Receive yourMaternal 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 your ward office domestic health division or general city branch office public health welfare division.

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 your health status pregnancy, childbirth, and in which will be recorded your health status and your child's health status during pregnancy, delivery and child rearing.

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 quite a few materials, so it may be helpful to bring a large bag.

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

Back to index

1-2 Get a Pregnancy Health Examination

The Pregnancy General Health Examination

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

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 maximum fee that the aid slip will cover is ¥18,000 for the first visit and ¥5,500 for the second to 14th visits (only 14 visits total are covered).

The aid slips are to be used as scheduled above. In the event that the health examination costs exceed the maximum amount covered by the aid slips, you will be responsible for the remaining cost. If costs do not exceed that which is covered by the aid slips, the actual costs will be covered by the slips. HTLV-1 antibody examinations are also covered by the aid slips. The maximum amount covered is ¥2,200 and this examination should take place during your first Pregnancy General Health Examination.

HTLV-1 is a virus that causes adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), among other diseases. Pregnant mothers should get a blood test to test whether or not they have been infected by this virus. If preventative measures are taken, the baby may be protected from infection by the being infected HTLV-1 virus.

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 consultation to protect the dental health of those who are pregnant. You will be notified both when issued your Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and via the city administration newsletter. (Appointments are necessary.)

(You can also choose a visit in the dental office of your choice and pay the fee for the visit)

Back to index

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 is an opportunity to make new friends with Japanese, 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 ask about them at your own hospital or clinic.

Back to index