How are you spending this time as a pregnant woman in Japan during the Covid-19 crisis?

Hello! This will be the first proper post of my English blog. Although I’ve been writing blog posts almost every day in Japanese, I haven’t written any English posts yet! But today, finally, I’ve decided to try to write blog posts in English, especially because today is International Day of the Midwives!

Anyway, the whole coronavirus pandemic has been an incredible situation. It must be such a stressful and anxious time for non-Japanese pregnant women in Japan. Lots of hospitals have decided to prohibit partners from attending their babies’ deliveries. They’ve also stopped holding classes for expectant parents, and also the partners can’t even go to see their babies in the hospital!

I know from the news that lots of Japanese pregnant women have been worried about their health, their babies’ conditions, and their upcoming childbirth. Some services in Japanese are now beginning so that they can now contact midwives online.
However, I’m sure it’s not only Japanese women who are feeling such concerns. I’ve been thinking of all of you non-Japanese pregnant women.

How are you, as a non-Japanese pregnant woman, getting the right information at this time of emergency? Are you supported well enough to reduce your levels of anxiety? Can you easily get support from medical professionals?

I’m sure all of you will already be aware but, one good thing about the new coronavirus is that frequent washing of hands definitely reduces the risk of catching it. (This is not the case with all viruses.) So, please make sure to wash your hands well with water and soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after you come back into the house from outside…it really does protect you! Also, please follow the advice about avoiding touching your face with your hands since this is how the virus often enters the body.

Other than following the official advice, when it comes to your pregnancy, please just continue to follow the usual good practice. That is, to eat well, sleep well, do moderate exercise, and have as relaxing time as possible (although I know that this is difficult at this time).

Also, as emphasised by the authorities, please avoid closed spaces, crowds, and close contact which all facilitate transmission of infectious diseases including the new coronavirus..

There is so much information about the Covid-19 pandemic, including a lot of misleading information and outright fake news. Please check reliable information from official institutions. Here are some links.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/newpage_00032.html

I hope you can reduce your anxious as much as possible. Stay safe!