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When you find out you're pregnant

Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Once your pregnancy is confirmed by your obstetrician-gynecologist, the 270 days (pregnancy period) with your baby will finally begin. This is a time when your physical condition will change drastically, but try to spend these 270 days (pregnancy period) in a relaxed manner without pushing yourself too hard.

Get your maternal and child health handbook

The Maternal and Child Health Handbook is an important record of both mother and baby. Once pregnancy is confirmed, it should be issued by the city or town where you are registered as a resident. The office, reception hours, and required procedures may vary depending on the municipality. If you are not feeling well, it may be possible for someone else, such as the husband, to collect the handbook on your behalf. Be sure to check in advance.

Once you receive your maternal and child health handbook, you'll feel even more aware of your pregnancy. Be sure to complete any pages you can fill out as soon as possible. It's a good idea to keep your maternal and child health handbook, insurance card, and patient registration card, all of which you'll carry around with you, all in one maternal and child health handbook case for added security. Find one that suits you best!

Voices of senior mothers

  • When I received the maternal and child health handbook, I was so happy that I was really pregnant! I received more booklets and materials than I expected, so I separated them into a maternal and child health handbook case for things I could carry around with me and a file at home for things I needed to keep. I'm looking forward to giving it to my child when he grows up.

  • The first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant was a maternal and child health handbook case! It was very useful during pregnancy, but now that I'm raising a child, it's even more useful. It keeps all of my child-related items, such as my ever-growing collection of medical cards and prescription records, all in one place. Even if I suddenly have to go to the hospital, I only need to take this case with me, so I can rest assured when I ask my husband or grandmother to help me.

Maternal and Child Health Handbook Case
Maternal and Child Health Handbook Case
¥12,650 - ¥13,200 tax included
Click here for a list of maternal and child health handbook cases
How to choose a maternal and child health handbook case

When should you announce your pregnancy?

When should you tell your partner you're pregnant? It can be hard to decide, as there's no right answer. Because it's such a happy announcement, you should think about the best timing for both of you.

family
Of course, the first thing to tell is the husband, but you should also discuss and decide together when to tell your parents on both sides. If you live close by, you can tell them early to receive support in terms of your physical condition, or if you live far away, you can wait until the pregnancy is stable to avoid worrying your parents. It all depends on your circumstances.

workplace
Pushing yourself too hard at work can put strain on your body during the early stages of pregnancy, and changes in your physical condition may affect your work. It's best to inform your immediate supervisor early on. If you're considering taking maternity or childcare leave, it's a good idea to let them know about it. Many women report to their colleagues once they've reached the stable period of pregnancy.

Friends and acquaintances
It seems that many people change the timing and method of reporting depending on how often they meet and their relationship. Once your health has stabilized to a certain extent, you should start reporting little by little.

Voices of senior mothers

  • I had severe morning sickness from the beginning, so I told my parents early on and they supported me. I also had to take time off work, so I told my boss at work early on, which was great because they were able to reduce my workload. I gradually told my colleagues and friends once my condition had stabilized.

  • I told my best friend, who had become a mother before me, early on, and she was very happy. I was also grateful for her support when I felt anxious during my pregnancy. I haven't seen my friends as often recently, and I decided to casually tell my friends who are also hoping to get pregnant, when I sent them New Year's cards, so as not to burden them emotionally.

About your physical condition

Some women experience morning sickness soon after finding out they're pregnant. Although it's not an illness, it can be a difficult time, with symptoms like loss of smell and nausea. During morning sickness, try not to push yourself too hard at work or housework, and eat what you can, in small amounts. Smoking is of course a no-no! Make sure your husband is aware of the condition and cooperates. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids. If you have any concerns, don't self-diagnose; consult your obstetrician-gynecologist.

Voices of senior mothers

  • During the morning sickness period, I couldn't eat the foods I used to like. I looked for things I could eat and ate them little by little until my condition calmed down. My physical condition fluctuated and I felt bad, but I was encouraged by the words of the midwife, "Morning sickness is proof that the baby is alive inside you!"

  • I was worried about small changes in my physical condition, and wondered if it was OK to do something during pregnancy... When I searched, there was so much information that I ended up getting confused. So that I wouldn't forget to ask questions at my checkups, I would take notes and ask the doctor all at once.

Obi celebration

"Obi-iwai" is an event in which a belly obi called "Iwata Obi" is worn on the day of the dog in the fifth month of pregnancy (around the 16th to 19th week), when the pregnancy enters the stable period, in hopes of a healthy birth and safe delivery for the baby growing inside the womb and the mother.
When praying for an easy delivery at a shrine, some people purchase an Iwata obi when they visit. It seems that sometimes women can learn how to wear an Iwata obi at their regular maternity hospital.

The origin of the Iwata belt (belly band)

The white cloth belly band given at shrines on the day of the dog is called "Iwata Obi." It is said to contain the wish that a baby will be born as strong and healthy as a rock. There is also a theory that the name is derived from Yuhada Obi.

The role of the Iwata belt (belly band)

The benefit of wearing an Iwata obi (belly band) is that it protects the stomach. Wearing the obi plays an important role in protecting the stomach from cold and shock to the fetus, preventing sagging belly fat and stretch marks, and reducing strain on the lower back.
However, traditional belly bands made of bleached cotton tend to slip off while being worn and take a long time to wrap, making them difficult to use in everyday life, so belly warmers or girdles are more commonly used.

Day of the Dog

"Dog Day" is the day that corresponds to the dog in the Chinese zodiac. It is said that people chose "Dog Day" to celebrate because dogs are known to have many offspring and have easy births.
Nowadays, people don't really care about the day of the dog, and some people still celebrate. When visiting a shrine, try not to push yourself, and choose a day when you are in good health.

When should you start preparing for childbirth?

First off, items for expectant mothers!

Once your health has stabilized, you can start preparing for birth little by little. In the early stages of pregnancy, when you don't know the baby's gender, there are items for expectant mothers. These cute and useful items will support you throughout your 270 days of pregnancy.

Recommended items for pregnant women
Birth preparation page

Come join us for a maternity seminar!

It's a good idea to prepare to some extent one to two months before your due date in case you suddenly have to be hospitalized. However, with so many items and information you're seeing for the first time, it can be hard to know where to start.
First, try attending a maternity seminar. The items you need, especially underwear and clothing, will vary depending on the season you are due to give birth. Prepare them according to your due date.

Book your event here

Pre-mom Festival