Hello, everyone! It's Angie. Today I want to talk about the steps you should take if you become pregnant in Japan. When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately turned to the internet for some guidance. Being in a foreign country, not speaking the language well, and having no family around, can be tough. If the pregnancy was unplanned, you can feel lost and overwhelmed, but don't worry! I've decided to write down all the steps I took and the things I wish I could have found when I searched "pregnant in Japan"!

Please take note that I live in Yokohama city Japan. Procedures will vary between city and ward, but this is what I did! Also, I am not a medical professional, so please always consult a doctor!





Before we jump in, I want to give you some vocabulary concerning contraceptives in Japan. I was surprised to find out how lacking sexual education is here in Japan, so it's worth knowing how to protect yourself again STD's and pregnancy. These are the three most common contraceptive methods here in Japan.

Condoms | コンドーム
You can purchase condoms for males in almost all drugstores, convenience stores, etc. Here is a great site with information on brands, prices, and more! Here.

Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) | 子宮内避妊器具 (Shikyuunai hinin kigu)
As I have never used this method, I cannot give any advice, so please consult a doctor if interested in this method.

Birth Control Pill　経口避妊薬　(ピル)  (Keikuuhinin-yaku)
In Japan, you must talk (online/face-to-face) to a doctor to be prescribed birth control pills. You can go to your nearest Ladies Clinic to request the pills. Once given, you will take your first pack, and then you will go back, get a blood test, and then from there you can regularly refill your birth control prescription. I recommend you go with a Japanese speaker if you aren't fluent in Japanese, as you definitely want to be clear about how to use the pills properly.

My birth control brand: Favoir28 ファボワール錠28 (No, I didn't get pregnant while on these pills.)







Morning after pill/Plan B |  緊急避妊薬 (アフターピル) (kinkyuu hinin piru)
In the States, it's really easy to go to your nearest Target, CVS, or drugstore and grab a morning after pill. In Japan, however, you must have a consultation with a doctor. I have seen some places offer online/LINE based consultations with next day delivery. However, this may not be an option if you don't speak Japanese. Nevertheless, most of the time, you will need to go to a Ladies Clinic (most offer walk-ins) and ask for the after pill in person. The pills are also expensive. Expect to pay between 60-120$ USD per pill.

In my case, I walked in, filled out the new patient form, did the normal weight/blood pressure, and then asked the doctor for the pill. They only offered one type, gave instructions, and offered water to take it right then and there. I took the pill less than 72 hrs after the incident, but I still got pregnant!

Emergency Pills administered to me: Levonorgestrel 1.5mg (レボノルゲストレル錠1.5mg)






Over the Counter Pregnancy Test | 妊娠検査薬
Once I was about week past my missed period, I decided to take an over-the-counter pregnancy test. You can buy these at your nearest pharmacy or online. Clearblue is available here in Japan, but I used a Japanese brand pregnancy test. If you don't speak/read Japanese, try to translate the instructions because some tests are unique.

Pregnancy test I took: Wo+Man Check (ウー・マン チェック)



Obstetrics and Gynocology |　産婦人科　Sanfujinka
The very first test I took was positive, so I immediately made an appointment with a clinic that can handle prenatal support. If you do not have a OB/GYN here in a Japan, you can go to a Ladies Clinic or a Medical clinic that also does OB/GYN appointments. If you don't speak Japanese and do not have anyone to translate for you, it's better if you find an English speaking clinic.

I was recommended The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in the neighborhood of Yamate, Yokohama. They are a bilingual clinic close to my place of work and apartment. I also liked that I can make reservations and book appointments online. Please click the link for their web page.

1st Appointment Contents
The goal of the first appointment is to confirm the pregnancy.

What to bring:

• Health Insurance card
• Money (between 60-100USD)
• Notes (date of last period, date of positive pregnancy test, any pregnancy symptoms)
• Medication list

Interview
The doctor first interviewed me on my medical history.  He asked me questions pertaining to my families medical history, any allergies, my habits (drinking, smoking), and details about my menstrual cycle.

Urinalysis
I then urinated in a cup for analysis

Blood Draw
Finally I had my blood drawn, for what I assume is the pregnancy test.

Conclusion
After that, the doctor said he will contact me by e-mail within the next couple of days to tell me my results. I then paid about 60$ and was on my way!




Please stay tuned for PART TWO! I discuss my second appointment, my first ultrasound, and the importance of researching hospitals!