First of all, you'll have a periodic medical examination at the maternity hospital of your choice Health insurance not cover pregnancy, but you can get a baby notebook ( maternal and child health handbook) and some free tickets from the health center. You can use these tickets on for medical examinations.

1) Regular medical examination schedule as follows:

Until 13 weeks : once a month
from 24 weeks to 35 weeks : twice a month :
from 36 weeks : once a week
After the due date : twice a week

Basically the following will be examined at the hospital :
urinalysis : protein, sugar, ketone and occult bleeding
weight
blood pressure
ultrasound (size and position of baby, the placenta position and checking for
abnormalities)
measuring the fundus of the uterus, waist and presence of edema
(some hospitals will check up NST and internal examination after 37 weeks as routine).
Recently it is possible to bring back a DVD of the ultrasound。

2) Booking of hospitalization

If you　want to give birth in a hospital, it is recommended to make your reservation by around 10 weeks when you can confirm the fetal cardiac rate. It is the same if you would like to give birth in your home town.

3) Daily life

It is not necessary to rest in bed because pregnancy is not an illness . Your baby will let you know if something is out of the ordinary it is better to pay attention to how the baby feels
For example, if you feel stomach cramps and pains, it is better to rest for several minutes. If you feel cramping along with spotting or bleeding, you should go for a check-up. If you do not have any symptoms, you can carry on as usual working, walking and shopping.

4) Food

Putting on lots more weight is not good for you or your baby. It is better to have good quality of protein, vegetables and calcium. It is desirable that you gain less than 10 kilograms. I recommend that you stay away from too many sweets and beverages which contain sugar : they take calcium away from your baby.

5) Exercise

It is good to continue your usual exercise if you feel well . After 14 weeks you'll feel more stable, then you can do exercise such as walking, prenatal yoga and swimming.
After 36 weeks, it is better to do exercise like walking 4 hours a day.

6) Sex during pregnancy

It is better to reduce the frequency during the first trimester and late in pregnancy. After 14 weeks of pregnancy (second trimester) you are more stable, then you have sex as usual. But as your pregnancy progresses, you may find that some positions are not comfortable any more. Find more comfortable positions and be gentle with your partner.

7)　Baby goods

First-time parents will have to prepare everything , but you may also use second-hand goods. The best sources are friends and family.
It is better to prepare before the 35th weeks of pregnancy, but please keep in mind that the amount of baby clothes and so on it will be depend on the season.

• cloth nappies or disposable diapers
• bucket for nappies
• underwear ( long sleeve or short sleeve) 3
• dress : 1
• bonnet
• covering for baby : 1
• baby blanket : 1
• bed sheet : 2
• baby soap : 1 ( non-irritant )
• changing mat (waterproof)

• cotton wool ( for changing nappies)
• cotton buds ( for adult / for baby)
• nail clippers
• feeding bottles 3 - 4
• set for sterilizing bottle-feeding equipment (microwavable or for boiling)
• bottle brush
• car seat for your newborn
• sling or front carrier ( it is better to hold your baby vertically)
• baby oil (a small quantity is OK)
• bath towel, towel and gauze cloth : 5 - 6

8）　Preparation to become a parent /p>

Your baby hears you in the womb, feels mum's temperature, feel knows what mum eats and understands mum's feelings.
It is better to be relaxed and have a comfortable daily routine during pregnancy. Talk tenderly, sing to the baby and read illustrated books to the baby. Babies like the outside so much that babies can feel nature such as water, the sun, the sky, trees and flowers. Enjoy walking together with your partner on the weekends.

1) Where you give birth

90 % of pregnant women prefer to give birth in a hospital with a doctor. The remaining pregnant women give birth in midwife-led birth units or at home. In midwife-led birth units, there is no doctor but there are is experienced midwives who will support mum and baby. During your hospitalization, you and your baby can receive all of the necessary care after childbirth. Usually, you and your baby may leave the hospital 4-5 days after birth.
For necessary medical check-ups and treatment, you can rely on licensed doctors and they have privileges at a medical institution. For example、if a mum or newborn needs hospital treatment, they can cope with the situation immediately.

In the case of home birth, more than two midwives must support, if the delivery is without difficulty , you may stay home and take care of yourself. Your midwife will visit mum and newborn everyday for care and observation. If there are serious problems during pregnancy and after childbirth, midwives consult with licensed obstetricians and take the best way. Recently, home births are preferable, but only for mums without complications A recent tendency, giving birth in home is thought better, but for this mums have no 。You may consult with your doctor when you have your first pre-natal appointment.

2) Labour and birth

The majority of hospital births are in clinic, but recently there are some new styles such as “Active Birth”, and “free style birth” , for those who do not want medical intervention. It is better to hear check your hospital's policy.

3) Writing a birth plan

A birth plan is way of communicating with the midwives and doctors who care for you in labour. Even though in some cases, all does not go according to plan. You should include in your plan, your birth companion, who you want be with you in during labour, whether you want to breastfeed or bottle feed, room with newborn, or another nutrient supply (not breastfeeding)…. Usually there are about 10 questions .

4) Language

It is important for foreigners who will give birth to know if the clinic staff can speak English or other languages. You may consult with friends who have experience or check the internet.

5) What to pack in your hospital bag

Depending on the hospital, supplies will be needed in during your hospitalization.　You should consult your clinic in advance or take a maternity class at the hospital.

6) Period of hospitalization

It depends on the individual. In Europe, it is very short term, from 6 hours to 2 days, but in Japan, it is longer, usually 3 - 6 days . If you have a request about the length of hospitalization it will usually be accepted. In the case of a caesarean section, the length of hospitalization will be extended a few days.

7) Hospital charge

It depends on the hospital . Health insurance dose not cover pregnancy, so it would be recommended to get information in advance. Usually it will cost from JPY 400,000 to 600,00.-. Some hospitals requires a deposit.

8) Schedule during hospitalization

This also varies greatly per clinic. Some clinics guide in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding after birth, give advice on recovering after birth and adjusting to life as a mum. Some clinics provide esthetic treatments, nail care service or tea parties.

9) Worries after an early discharge from the hospital

For the first month after leaving the hospital, you can consult with the clinic where you gave birth regarding newborn care and new mother concerns. It's best to bring a written list of your questions or concerns.

10) Painless delivery

Not all clinics can offer painless deliveries , so it would be better to research and visit in advance. You also must know that in painless deliveries you will feel the early stages of labor, and after labor pains become strong enough and the cervix (neck of uterus) is dilated, the doctor will start an epidural.

11) Giving birth in Japan

There are fundamental differences between giving birth in Japan and in Europe. In Japan, experienced midwives will come to your bedside and assist during the labor stage. She supports mums mentally and physically. She massages mum's body where she feels pain, encourages her and tries to rid her of uneasiness. This is the traditional Japanese style.
In addition, you may also get practical information about breastfeeding after childbirth. Some clinics provide breast massages for breast feeding.

12) How do you know when you are in labour?

You might feel of dull pain in your leg joints( round ligament pain) or have a backache or　stomach cramps from a few days to a few weeks before the labour. These are signs of giving birth in the near future, you can relax while waiting for the big event.
You should never feel tension, even you find a little bleeding. Relaxing will calm the baby ! If your water breaks, you should put on a sanitary napkin, call the hospital immediately and go to the hospital.
Even though contractions might start, in the early stages of labour the contractions are is irregular or at ten-minutes intervals . At around five-minutes intervals around, you should contact the hospital and follow their instructions regarding going to the hospital.
Once you feel the twinges of labour, you can stay at home for as long as you can. You can still eat, take a bath or shower and sleep. If you can, pass the time watching and laughing at TV to relax .
Body movements like of squatting up and down will help your labour to proceed smoothly.

13) In hospital

After you go into the hospital, your contractions and the baby's heartbeat will be monitored and the doctor will check your cervix. If the labour is proceeding well, you will stay in the LDR until delivery. If your contractions are still irregular and the doctor believes it will take more time, you'll remain in a normal room, not in a LDR. You should feel at home.
Gradually the contractions will become stronger more , and you'll feel a very intense, pushing stage where you get the urge to push. Please remember that this stage is not only difficult for mum but also for your small baby
You should continue to breathe, breathing out when you feel pain. This will help your baby.
At the　contraction, relax, take a drink, wipe the sweat, go to the toilet and change body position.
Keeping the same position will be tough on your body. You may feel the need to push but do not ever push by force . This is gentler on your baby.

14) Bonding (kangaroo care)

For the first two hours after childbirth, you should hold your baby in your arms and guide the baby to your nipple so she/he can suckle and spend some quiet time with Dad. Talk to your baby tenderly. Express thanks to the baby for her/his effort.

15) Breastfeeding

1) Life and housework assistance

The basic recommendation is to rest for the first three weeks after delivery. You’ll gradually get used to your new baby’s care . If possible, do not do housework, you should ask your husband or your family, so you can concentrate on your newborn's care.
You can not eat and sleep as you want like in pregnancy, but it is very important .
Eat and sleep well. You’ll also be sleepy in daytime due to beast feeding at night .
You may take naps.
You probably won't be able to eat with your family. I recommend you ask your family to prepare something that you can eat when you want, when you can. Please remember that breastfeeding requires 2 liters of water a day !

If you do not have any help except your husband, you can consult the public health center of your city, ward, town. They’ll give you information about housework assistance.
In Japan, there is a home-visiting nurse( for newborn) service. You may also request information to see if you can use this service.

After the one month examination, you can return to your normal life if you don’t have any problems. Mum has to do housework, besides, she has to take care of baby. I hope that can enjoy sharing chores with your sharing works among you and your husband.

2) Examination

Hospitals vary on whether the first examination is one week or one month after discharge. Also, some hospitals will exam both mum and baby while others will only exam the baby. You should check in advance.

3) Newborn life

During the newborn stage , it is usual to gain 200 grams per week. You may check the baby's weight at home or at the hospital. If your baby pees and poops well, there might be no problem even if the weight gain is less than that.

Babies cry because they can not see well. Crying is a baby’s way of communicating one of those needs. As a new parent, it can sometimes be difficult to work out what the baby is telling you, so cuddle the baby and try to soothe him/her. You shouldn't only cuddle the baby, but also sing the same songs that you sang during pregnancy, read illustrated books, and listen to soothing music.
You’ll gradually begin to recognize your baby’s different crying patterns as you get to know him/her better. Please do not get frustrated .

Perhaps your baby cries because she is hungry, has a soiled diaper, or pain in the belly. She may need help to burp, or be sleepy, warm, looking for a cuddle, feel uneasy, want something in her mouth, feel lonely or just wants to cry. There are many reasons, Sometimes a baby just needs to cry to exercise his lungs.

After she has a full stomach, a clean nappy, and is calm, the baby should sleep well. . If you feel uneasy about your baby’s crying, your baby will also feel uneasy. Please try to stay calm.
If you are worried about newborn care or something regarding in your body, you may consult the hospital where you give birth for the first month.

4) Breastfeeding assistance

You could consult to the hospital about baby care and breastfeeding, but some hospitals don’t have enough support . There are many midwife practitioners. However, it will be not free of charge, but I recommend you use one.
You can get information about midwives from your local public center, the yellow pages or the internet.

5) Vaccination and examination of baby For baby, various vaccinations and examinations will be scheduled. You will need to consult to your local public health center or you can check the official website of the Ministry of Health and Labour.

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