Mom-to-Be Day (Pre-Mama no Hi)

What Is Mom-to-Be Day?

December 3rd is "Mom-to-Be Day" (Pre-Mama no Hi). "Pre-Mama" refers to a mother who is pregnant — a mom-to-be. It was established by Toys"R"Us Japan. The date comes from reading 1 as "ii," 2 as "nin," and 3 as "pu-san," forming "ii ninpu-san" (a good pregnant woman), and from the fact that the first Babies"R"Us store in Japan opened on this date. The day aims to spread understanding and support for pregnant women.

Things to Know During Pregnancy

• Maternity Mark: A mark promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare that lets women in early pregnancy — when the belly isn't yet visibly showing — signal their pregnancy to those nearby so they can receive consideration. It's attached to a bag or similar item
• Maternal and Child Health Handbook: A handbook received from the local municipality after registering a pregnancy. It's an important document that records prenatal checkups, vaccinations, and developmental milestones
• Subsidies for Prenatal Checkups: Many municipalities subsidize the cost of around 14 prenatal checkups

Support for Moms-to-Be

• Maternity classes / parenting classes: Courses run by municipalities and maternity hospitals to prepare for childbirth and child-rearing
• Prenatal and postnatal helper dispatch: Services that provide household and childcare support, with many municipalities subsidizing part of the cost
• Childbirth lump-sum allowance: A payment of 500,000 yen per child (as of 2023) provided through health insurance

What Those Around Can Do

Offering a seat on public transportation, helping carry heavy luggage, or simply saying "hang in there" — these small acts of consideration toward pregnant women can become a great source of support. Mom-to-Be Day is also a day to think about social support for expectant and postpartum mothers.