Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Countermeasures
こう〜For Pregnant Women〜
Effects of Infection on Pregnancy
At this time, coronavirus infection during the third trimester appears
to have the same progression and severity as in non-pregnant women.
There have been reports of fetal transmission abroad, but no cases offetal abnormalities, stillbirth, or miscarriage. As a result, even in you
are pregnant, excessive concern is unnecessary.

Daily Preventive Measures

Generally, there is always as risk thatpneumonia in pregnant women canworsen. Please continue to avoid crowds,
wash your hands regularly, and take careof your general daily health.
Avoid places that break the “Three Cs”:
① closed spaces, ② crowded places,and ③ close-contact settings.

Working

For working women,
based on your physicalcondition, please
consult with yourcompany aboutmeasures likestaggering commuting
hours and teleworking.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is working
to assure the peace of mind and safety of pregnant
women.
More information for pregnant women regarding standard precautions, prenatal check-ups, and instructions in case offever is available on the back side. General coronavirus information, as well as more detailed information, is alsoavailable on the websites of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and related academic societies.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare <New Coronavirus Q&A>
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/dengue_fever_qa_00014.html
Japan Society for Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSIDOG) <Information For Pregnant/
Women Expecting to Become Pregnant Concerning the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Updated based on thesituation)> http://jsidog.kenkyuukai.jp/information/ (Only available in Japanese)※ Please note that this leaflet was constructed using information available as of April 1st, 2020. As the situation
changes, updates will be made available.

☞Continues on back◆Standard Precautions■Please wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Also, avoid places

that fall under the “Three C’s”: ① closed spaces with poor ventilation, ②
crowded places, and ③ close-contact settings, especially those involving
conversation or public speaking.
■If an individual at home is suspected to have contracted the virus, pleaseavoid direct contacts by separating a room and not sharing items like towels andutensils.
◆In Case of Fever or Any Other Symptoms■Pregnant women that have relatively mild cold symptoms ( fever orcough) should immediately call the consultation centers for people withpotential exposure to COVID-19. PCR testing is also available at Prefecture
Medical Association or local clinic at some prefecture. (Updated on May 8th)<Concerning Prenatal Check-Up>■If you have been in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19,or if you suspect someone at home may be infected, prior to any prenatal
check-ups, please call to consult your physician.
■If there is a chance that you have already been infected with COVID-19,
please refrain from going to any prenatal check-ups immediately. Instead,first consult with the consultation centers for people with potential exposure
to COVID-19. Afterwards, please consult with your physician.
<Concerning Childbirth>■Each prefecture is working to prepare an environment for calm and safe
childbirths for pregnant women affected by COVID-19. If you have been
infected, please contact your physician about your childbirth.

※ Further information for multilingual support call regarding coronavirus is posted on the website of SHARE.
https://share.or.jp/english/news/covid-19_information_for_foreigners_b#multi◆For Working Women■Based on your physical condition, please consult with your employer

about staggering commuting hours and teleworking, or salaryconsiderations in the case of maternity leave.
※Request for Cooperation from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to Labour unions

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has submitted a request for cooperation regarding the newcoronavirus to various labour groups, such that pregnant workers are properly respected, and to prepare asystem where pregnant women can take leave of absence with peace of mind.

※Further Q&A for working women regarding coronavirus is posted on the homepage.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/dengue_fever_qa_00018.html (Machine translation
system for English, Chinese and Korean is available)• Paid leave and annual paid vacation per the Labour Standards Act.
• Flexible work options (teleworking, staggering commuting hours) to help prevent infection.
• In the case of emergency closures of day cares and schools, additional paid time off.

Translated by the joint project team of the Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate Schoolof Medicine, The University of Tokyo, and Services for the Health in Asian & African Regions (SHARE).

Last edited April 1st, 2020