{"id":111606,"date":"2024-12-06T16:10:53","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T07:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T11:18:47","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T02:18:47","slug":"where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Where to Get Japan\u2019s Maternity Mark: Points You Might Not Know\u3010Reviewed by a Doctor\u3011"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"border:solid #ffe6e6 0.8rem;background-color: #fff9f9;padding:3% 5%;margin:1rem 0 3rem;\">\n<h2 style=\"margin-top:1rem;\">\u3053\u306e\u8a18\u4e8b\u306e\u307e\u3068\u3081<\/h2>\n<p>The &#8220;Maternity Mark&#8221; for Pregnant Women: Where to Get It, Its Effects, and Important Tips\n\nThe \u201cMaternity Mark\u201d is an important item that pregnant women attach to their bags or personal belongings to let others know that they are expecting. It helps promote consideration in public spaces. This is especially important during early pregnancy when physical signs may not yet be visible, making the mark a vital tool.\n\nHowever, many people may not know where to obtain this mark.\n\nIn this article, we will explain in detail where to get the Maternity Mark, its benefits, and key points to be aware of. We will also introduce evidence-based research findings to help create a supportive environment where pregnant women can feel safe and at ease.\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">\u76ee\u6b21<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#What_is_the_Maternity_Mark\" >What is the Maternity Mark<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#Background_of_the_Mark\" >Background of the Mark<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#Where_You_Can_Get_the_Maternity_Mark\" >Where You Can Get the Maternity Mark<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#1_Local_Government_Offices\" >1. Local Government Offices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#2_Train_Stations_and_Public_Transportation_Offices\" >2. Train Stations and Public Transportation Offices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#3_Hospitals_and_Obstetrics_Clinics\" >3. Hospitals and Obstetrics Clinics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#4_Baby_Goods_Stores\" >4. Baby Goods Stores<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#5_Online\" >5. Online<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#The_Impact_and_Challenges_of_the_Maternity_Mark\" >The Impact and Challenges of the Maternity Mark<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#Growing_Awareness_and_Support\" >Growing Awareness and Support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#Negative_Reactions\" >Negative Reactions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#Tips_for_Using_the_Maternity_Mark\" >Tips for Using the Maternity Mark<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\/#Conclusion_Use_the_Maternity_Mark_for_a_Safer_Pregnancy\" >Conclusion: Use the Maternity Mark for a Safer Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Maternity_Mark\"><\/span><strong>What is the Maternity Mark<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The maternity mark is a symbol that indicates a woman is pregnant. It helps expectant mothers receive consideration and assistance in public spaces such as on trains, buses, or at work. It can also be lifesaving in emergencies, allowing medical staff or bystanders to respond quickly in cases of sudden illness or accidents.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background_of_the_Mark\"><\/span><strong>Background of the Mark<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The maternity mark was created in 2006 by Japan\u2019s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to protect maternal and child health. Since then, local governments and companies have actively promoted its use, and today the mark is widely recognized among pregnant women and the general public.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_You_Can_Get_the_Maternity_Mark\"><\/span><strong>Where You Can Get the Maternity Mark<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Local_Government_Offices\"><\/span><strong>1. Local Government Offices<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In most municipalities, the maternity mark is handed out for free when you submit your pregnancy notification and receive your maternal and child health handbook. Many regions have unique, locally designed versions.<br><strong>How to get it<\/strong>: Provided when you submit the pregnancy notification form<br><strong>Extra perk<\/strong>: You may also receive pamphlets or booklets with useful local pregnancy information<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Train_Stations_and_Public_Transportation_Offices\"><\/span><strong>2. Train Stations and Public Transportation Offices<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many railway and bus companies distribute the maternity mark for free at station service counters or offices. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, several railway operators even offer a version with a chain attached.<br><strong>Examples<\/strong>: JR East, Tokyo Metro<br><strong>Note<\/strong>: Not every station has them available, so it\u2019s best to check in advance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Hospitals_and_Obstetrics_Clinics\"><\/span><strong>3. Hospitals and Obstetrics Clinics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Some hospitals and obstetrics or gynecology clinics give out maternity marks during your first prenatal checkup. Receiving the mark at a medical facility often comes with helpful advice about pregnancy health and daily care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Baby_Goods_Stores\"><\/span><strong>4. Baby Goods Stores<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Stores like <strong>Akachan Honpo<\/strong>, <strong>Babies\u201cR\u201dUs<\/strong>, or <strong>Karadanote<\/strong> sometimes provide maternity marks when you register as a member or apply for a \u201cpregnancy starter kit.\u201d<br><strong>Condition<\/strong>: Membership registration or a purchase may be required<br><strong>Special feature<\/strong>: Often original designs from the store, making the style a bit more unique<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Online\"><\/span><strong>5. Online<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Some websites or online stores distribute maternity marks for free through their official sites. However, be aware that shipping fees might apply, so check the conditions before ordering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Impact_and_Challenges_of_the_Maternity_Mark\"><\/span><strong>The Impact and Challenges of the Maternity Mark<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/user0514.cdnw.net\/shared\/img\/thumb\/helpIMGL6609_TP_V.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:588px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growing_Awareness_and_Support\"><\/span><strong>Growing Awareness and Support<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Awareness of the maternity mark has steadily increased since its introduction. According to surveys, <strong>about 80% of people in Japan know about the maternity mark<\/strong>. Many pregnant women report that wearing it has led to more consideration from others, particularly when using priority seats on public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Negative_Reactions\"><\/span><strong>Negative Reactions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are also reports of unpleasant experiences. Some women have encountered unfriendly comments, stares, or even harassment when wearing the mark. These cases highlight the need for a more supportive and safer social environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Using_the_Maternity_Mark\"><\/span><strong>Tips for Using the Maternity Mark<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use it effectively<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>In crowded places<\/strong>: Attach the mark to a visible spot on your bag to make it easier for others to notice.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emergency contact<\/strong>: Write an emergency phone number on the back of the mark in case you need immediate help.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t be afraid to speak up<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> The mark is meant to signal your situation, but when you\u2019re feeling unwell or need help, actively asking for assistance is just as important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Use_the_Maternity_Mark_for_a_Safer_Pregnancy\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion: Use the Maternity Mark for a Safer Pregnancy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The maternity mark is a small but powerful tool to help expectant mothers feel safer and more supported during pregnancy. Since it\u2019s available through many channels \u2014 and often free \u2014 it\u2019s worth picking one up as early as possible.<br>By understanding and sharing the significance of the maternity mark, everyone can contribute to creating a more caring and considerate environment for pregnant women.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u3053\u306e\u8a18\u4e8b\u306e\u307e\u3068\u3081 The &#8220;&#8230;\n <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/where-to-get-maternity-mark-surprising-points-you-didnt-know\/?lang=en\">\u7d9a\u304d\u3092\u8aad\u3080<\/a>","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":86207,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-111606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=111606"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111616,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111606\/revisions\/111616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/86207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=111606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=111606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiro-clinic.or.jp\/nipt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=111606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}