Deciding on a hospital for childbirth

If the hospital where you are receiving prenatal checkups does not have delivery facilities, 

you will need to get a referral to a hospital, clinic, or midwifery center with obstetrics. 

You can either have the doctor make the appointment for you or schedule it yourself. 

Some hospitals have restrictions on the number of weeks of pregnancy they will accept, so it's important to choose a delivery facility early. 

If you're unsure about where to give birth, ask your primary doctor or the health center.

University hospital and general hospital

University hospitals and general hospitals often have not only obstetrics and gynecology departments but also a wide range of other medical specialties and sometimes even neonatal intensive care units (NICU). 

This provides reassurance, knowing that both the mother and baby will be cared for in case of any emergencies.

Many hospitals also offer pain-free childbirth or planned pain-free childbirth options. However, these services may only be available during weekdays or by appointment, and hospitals may prioritize high-risk pregnancies, so it’s not guaranteed that you will be able to have a pain-free delivery. Be sure to check with the hospital.

The doctor you see may change with each visit. 

There are still few doctors in Japan who speak English, so communication will generally be in Japanese. 

Additionally, despite long wait times, the actual consultation may be brief. It's a good idea to prepare any questions in advance.

You won't know which doctor will be responsible for your delivery until the day itself.

The average cost of childbirth is around 550,000 to 750,000 yen. 

The fees may vary depending on factors such as nighttime hospitalization, weekends, emergency C-sections, other medical procedures, and whether you stay in a shared room or a private room.

Private hospital

Private clinics primarily focus on obstetrics and gynecology. It is rare for them to have a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on-site. Therefore, if there are any complications with the baby immediately after birth, the obstetrician or midwife present will handle the situation, and the baby may be transferred to another hospital if necessary. In cases where premature labor is expected, the patient may be transferred to a university hospital or general hospital before delivery.

The doctor who handles your prenatal checkups is often the same one who oversees the delivery, which can provide peace of mind. Additionally, waiting times tend to be relatively shorter.

Birthing Centers

Birthing centers are facilities where midwives support women throughout pregnancy and delivery. Since there is no involvement from doctors, medical procedures generally cannot be performed. However, many centers are affiliated with hospitals, allowing for support in case of emergencies.

Midwives provide personalized care throughout pregnancy, making birthing centers an option for those who wish to have a more natural childbirth experience.

That said, it is important to carefully consider the risks involved, such as the lack of immediate access to a doctor if complications arise for either the baby or the mother.

Hospitals with English-Speaking Services

You can check them on this website:All Japan Relocation

https://www.alljapanrelocation.com/living-guides/hospitals/