Information on COVID-19 for Expecting Mothers (as of 5/1/2020)

To all expecting mothers in Hiroshima City:

As COVID-19 continues to spread, you may experience some anxiety regarding childbirth and the care of your newborn. Below is information compiled from various sources, including the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW), and things you should be aware of in your everyday life. We hope this helps to put your mind at ease.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy

At this point, there is no evidence that women in the later stages of pregnancy are more at risk of suffering severe or prolonged symptoms than others if they contract COVID-19. In general, however, expecting mothers do have a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms if they develop pneumonia. While this is no cause for alarm, it is best to take everyday precautions to prevent infection.

Hotline for Expecting Mothers

During the Golden Week national holidays (April 29 – May 6), midwives are on hand at specialist call centers to answer any questions or concerns expecting mothers may have about COVID-19, their pregnancy, and other related topics. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Hotline for Expecting Mothers (MHLW)

• Tel: 0120-220-273
• Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Stay Home – Information for Expecting Mothers (MHLW)＜外部リンク＞ (Japanese)

Everyday Precautions to Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid the 3Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings)
• Avoid unnecessary outings and stay home
• Eat a balanced diet and get the proper amount of sleep to maintain good physical health
• If there is a suspected case of COVID-19 at home, distance yourself from the infected person by staying in separate rooms. Do not share towels, cutlery, or other items.  

Avoid the 3Cs (MHLW)
Wash Your Hands (MHLW)

What To Do If You Develop Symptoms

If you develop cold-like symptoms or have a fever of 37.5°C or higher that lasts two or more days, and you are feeling severely fatigued or have trouble breathing, contact your local ward Health Center immediately.

Masks

The MHLW had planned to provide all expecting mothers with cloth masks; however, the provision of masks has been suspended temporarily. We will provide information about how to obtain these cloth masks when this service resumes.
DIY Handkerchief Mask (Japanese)

Further Information

Information for Expecting Mothers (MHLW)＜外部リンク＞ (Japanese)
Links to Websites with Information about COVID-19 (Japanese)

Ward Health Center Contact Information 　　　　　　　　                (All links are in Japanese)

For those who are not confident in their Japanese abilities and would like an interpreter, please inquire at the consultation desks listed below:

Hiroshima City Consultation Service for International Residents

Tel: 082-241-5010 // Fax: 082-242-7452

• Email: soudan@pcf.city.hiroshima.jp
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (excluding national holidays and 8/6)
• Languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese

Hiroshima Multilingual Living Support for Foreigners

• Tel: 0120-783-806 (toll-free)
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm (excluding national holidays*), Saturdays from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (note: lines will be closed from 12:00-1:00 pm)
• Lines will be open May 4 (Mon) to May 6 (Wed) from 10 am to 7 pm
• Languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Indonesian, Thai, Nepalese

Inquiries About This Page

Maternal and Child Health Section, Children and Families Support Division, Children’s Outlook Bureau
1-6-34 Kokutaiji-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City
Tel: 082-504-2623 // Fax: 082-504-2727
Email: ko-shien@city.hiroshima.lg.jp