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Moving during pregnancy is a major event that has a significant impact on both the mother and the fetus. While preparing to welcome childbirth and childcare in a new living environment can be exciting, it is essential to understand the timing, health management, access to medical institutions, and the support systems of each municipality. Furthermore, by taking postpartum living flow at the new residence into account, you can reduce the burden of childcare. This article provides a thorough explanation not only of moving points based on the NIPT test schedule and birth preparations, but also of comparisons of municipal systems and the setup of the living environment after childbirth.
1. The best timing for moving during pregnancy
Early stage (pregnancy weeks 0–12) is a period to avoid
In early pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is relatively high, and morning sickness and physical discomfort occur frequently. Major burdens during this period should be avoided. Even if you make a moving plan, it is wise to postpone the actual work until after the stable period.
Middle stage (pregnancy weeks 16–27) is the best timing
In the middle stage of pregnancy, physical condition is stable and it is easier to expand your range of activities. Many experts recommend moving during this period. Especially around 24 weeks, the size of the abdomen does not yet greatly affect daily life, making it easier to move your body.
Late stage (pregnancy week 28 and later) carries increased risks
In late pregnancy, the abdomen becomes larger and movement and travel are restricted. Long hours of travel and an irregular lifestyle associated with moving may increase the risk of preterm birth, so it should be avoided as much as possible.
2. The relationship between NIPT and the moving schedule
Timing of the test
NIPT can be taken from 10 weeks of pregnancy. Because overlapping moving and testing increases psychological burden, ideally, moving should be done “after the test.”
Considerations during the waiting period for results
The roughly one to two weeks until NIPT results are available is a time when psychological instability is likely. Proceeding with moving preparations during this period may impose unnecessary stress on mind and body. It is recommended to plan to proceed with moving after receiving the results and having peace of mind.
3. Health management for pregnant women and moving preparations
Heavy loads are strictly prohibited
When a pregnant woman carries luggage of around 20 kg, it places a burden on the lumbar spine and pelvis and increases the risk of threatened preterm labor. Avoid carrying cardboard boxes and limit roles to tasks such as sorting light items and labeling.
Thorough hydration and rest
Especially in summer, the risk of heatstroke increases during moving. Be mindful of regularly replenishing water and salt and taking a break every 30 minutes.
Consultation with your doctor
If you plan to move long distances during pregnancy, be sure to consult your primary physician. In some cases, you can request a medical certificate or have notes entered in the Maternal and Child Health Handbook to prepare for emergencies.
4. The living environment to be set up at the new residence
Access to medical institutions
When choosing a new residence, be sure to check whether there are nearby obstetrics and gynecology facilities capable of delivery and facilities that handle NIPT and prenatal checkups. The availability of nighttime emergency care is also a major decision factor.
Residential safety
A barrier-free design with few steps and the presence of an elevator are important in late pregnancy and for childcare after birth. If you plan to use a stroller, also check the step at the entrance and the width of passageways.
Crime prevention and disaster preparedness
Auto-locks, surveillance cameras, neighborhood safety, and evacuation routes in the event of a disaster also greatly affect peace of mind in postpartum life.
5. Moving plan and choosing a moving company
Allow leeway in the schedule
Moving often comes with unexpected troubles. Start preparing at least one month in advance and secure leeway to accommodate changes in physical condition.
Utilize services for pregnant women
Some moving companies offer “services for pregnant women and households with children.” By choosing a plan that includes packing services and furniture installation, you can minimize physical burden.
Role sharing with family
The pregnant woman should be involved as a “director,” and physical labor should, in principle, be left to the partner and family members.
6. Utilize municipal systems
Support content for pregnant women and households with children varies greatly depending on the moving destination. We have organized the main systems in a comparison table.
Comparison of systems by municipality (examples)
| System name | Tokyo (example: Shibuya Ward) | Osaka City | Nagoya City | Fukuoka City |
| Subsidy for prenatal checkups | About 14 visits, upper limit around 130,000 yen | About 14 visits, upper limit around 120,000 yen | About 14 visits, upper limit 130,000 yen | About 14 visits, upper limit 120,000 yen |
| Childbirth and childcare support grant | 50,000 yen at pregnancy notification + 50,000 yen after childbirth | 50,000 yen at pregnancy notification + 50,000 yen after childbirth | 30,000 yen at pregnancy notification + 70,000 yen after childbirth | 50,000 yen at pregnancy notification + 50,000 yen after childbirth |
| Subsidy for returning-home prenatal checkups | Available (in some municipalities) | Available | Not available (often largely self-pay) | Available |
| Childcare support facilities | Childcare plaza and postpartum helper dispatch available | Numerous temporary childcare facilities | Family support bases available | Childcare exchange salons available |
*Because names and amounts vary by region, you must check the latest information on the official website before moving.
7. Preparing the living environment with a view to the postpartum period
Importance of flow simulation
After childbirth, breastfeeding, diaper changes, laundry, and meal preparation are repeated in short intervals. When deciding on a new residence, conducting the following “living flow simulations” will help reduce the burden.
Simulation examples
- Nighttime breastfeeding flow
Place the bedroom (crib) ⇔ nursing chair ⇔ toilet/washroom at the shortest distance
→Because you will move many times during the night, avoid steps and dark areas. - Diaper-changing flow
Place a changing table and trash bin in the living room, with a layout that allows quick access to the washroom
→Eliminating stair movement reduces the burden on the mother. - Formula preparation flow
Place a kettle and bottle rack along the flow from the kitchen to the bedroom and living room
→Enables quick formula preparation even at night, alleviating sleep deprivation.
Storage and placement of baby goods
- Ensure closets and storage have room with “baby clothes, disposable diapers, and large childcare items” in mind
- Always check the space near the entrance for stroller placement
- Also keep future safety measures (such as the installation of baby gates) in view
8. Moving checklist
- Use pregnancy weeks 16–27 as a guideline for moving
- Adjust so as not to overlap with the NIPT or prenatal checkup schedule
- Leave the carrying of luggage to movers or family
- Confirm the distance to medical institutions and hospitals capable of emergency response
- Research the maternity support systems of the municipality in advance
- Simulate postpartum living flow and choose the floor plan
- Consider storage and placement of baby goods in advance
Conclusion
Moving during pregnancy is a major challenge for both the mother and the fetus. In particular, success depends on managing the schedule for NIPT and prenatal checkups, understanding differences in municipal systems, and preparing a living environment that takes postpartum living flow into account.
By proceeding with the right timing and plan, and with support from those around you, you can welcome childbirth and childcare in your new home with peace of mind. The new environment will surely become an important starting point for your family.
