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01Introduction to the Republic of Korea
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02Multicultural Families and Foreigner Support Services
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03Residence and Naturalization
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04Korean Culture and Life
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05Pregnancy and Childbirth
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06Education of Children
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07Health and Healthcare
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08Social Security System
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09Employment and Labor
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10References
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Chapter Introduction Video
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FAQ
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Status of family centers
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Current Status of Danuri Helpline
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Migrant Background Youth Support Foundation
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Current Status of Saeil Center (New Job Center for Women)
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Immigration Offices
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Major Tourist Destinations by Region
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Contact Numbers for Key Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Korea
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Guide to Personal Information Protection
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Danuri Call Center : 1577-1366
가족상담전화 : 1644-6621
21F, 173, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Chungmuro 3-ga, Namsan Square Building)
Copyright ⓒ KOREA INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHY FAMILY. All Rights Reserved
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Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Home
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy and Childbirth
01Preparations for Having a Baby
Medical tests for couples who are planning for pregnancy
- Tests and vaccinations are necessary before the pregnancy for the health of the mother and the baby.
| Classification | Reason for test | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Rubella | Can cause malformation on the baby when infected in the beginning of pregnancy | If the mother is not immune, at least one vaccination of rubella (MMR*) is required Recommended to wait 3 months after vaccination |
| Hepatitis B | When mother is infected with hepatitis B, an infant is likely to be infected at birth |
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- MMR: Mixed vaccine for measles, epidemic mumps, and rubella
- Even if you had been vaccinated before, another vaccination is required when the antibody test is negative. Total number of vaccination cannot be more than 3.
Congenital Zika Syndrome
- When the mother is exposed to Zika virus before birth of the child, it causes neurological deficit such as serious brain deformity, including microcephaly.
- If you are from a country with ongoing Zika virus infection, postpone the pregnancy for 6 months (both male and female)
02Recommended Checkups for Expectant Mothers
Checkups required for expectants mothers are listed as follows. Depending on the health of the expectant mother and/or her baby, the obstetrician may require additional tests.
Recommended and Required Tests for Pregnant Women
| Blood test | Regular blood test | If you are pregnant, you must take a blood test (hemoglobin, platelet, red blood cell, etc.) to assess your health, and to identify any potential risks to you and your baby. At this time you will also be checked for diseases such as AIDS, rubella, etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Blood-type test | Test for ABO blood type and Rh factor. If you are a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood, you will be injected with Rh immune globulin at 28 weeks of gestation. | |
| Syphilis examination | Test for syphilis, which is a major cause of fetal death and fetal infection. | |
| Hepatitis examination | Test for hepatitis. Hepatitis B tends to worsen during pregnancy, and can be passed to the baby through the placenta, during childbirth, or through nursing. | |
| Urinalysis | Test for gestosis or diabetes by testing sugar and proteins, and test for urinary tract infections. | |
| Ultrasound examination | Examination of growth development, location, size of the fetus and test for deformities. | |
03General Practices for Good Prenatal Health
- A healthy child needs a healthy mother
If you are trying to conceive, make your health your primary focus. Consult a doctor and seek treatment for any health concerns you may have. - Do not take medications
If possible, avoid taking any medication during pregnancy. Some medications can seriously impact the health and wellbeing of your child. The first trimester is an especially important time, since this is when your baby’s hands, feet, heart, and central nervous system are developing. In cases where medication is necessary for the health of the mother and the child (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, infection with prolonged fever, etc.), consult a doctor for appropriate dosage and treatment. - Refrain from alcohol and cigarettes
Use/overuse of alcohol during pregnancy can cause a child to be born with physical deformities or even lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. Given the severity of the risks, it is wise not to drink any alcohol during pregnancy. Cigarettes can hamper the growth of the child and cause a low birth-weight, which can lead to other problems. Women who are smokers are advised to quit before trying to conceive. - Pregnant women need to get enough calories, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Many women do not need to take nutritional supplements if they have a balanced diet. In a typical, healthy pregnancy, a woman will gain about 1kg a month for the first 4 months of her pregnancy, and about 2kg a month for the last 6 months of pregnancy, for a total of about 13kg in weight gain. Even if they eat a nutritious diet, pregnant women are advised to take iron supplements starting from the 5th month of pregnancy. Taking an iron supplement on an empty stomach facilitates absorption. Women of childbearing age should also get a certain amount of folic acid every day to prevent deficiency of Canalis neu ralis.
- Stool becomes harder during pregnancy because the intestines move less than usual and are pressed upon by the expanding womb; as a result, many pregnant women experience constipation. To prevent constipation, pregnant women are advised to increase their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, engage in regular exercise, and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid strenuous activities
Pregnant women are encouraged to engage in regular, light exercise. However, if pregnant, you do need to avoid starting a new exercise or intensifying your current exercise routine. Also avoid dangerous activities such as heavy lifting or climbing tall ladders. - In a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, it is not necessary to restrict sexual activities until the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. However, women who are deemed at risk of a miscarriage or a premature birth may be advised to use condoms or abstain from intercourse.
- Flu shots are recommended for pregnant women, regardless of the trimester, because they are more prone to develop complications such as pneumonia, if they are infected with influenza.
- If you are pregnant and must sit for long periods of times, move your lower body and legs as much as possible to facilitate circulation.
- During pregnancy, edema (swelling) can often occur in the lower body due to pressure put on veins. Elevating your legs can help relieve some of this pressure and pain. Since edema can also be a sign of gestational hypertension, it is important to get your blood pressure checked if you experience edema in the latter half of pregnancy.
- Vaginal secretion increases during pregnancy and is no cause for concern. The increase in mucus secretions is due to the change of hormones that happen throughout pregnancy.
- Receive regular medical examinations
Receive regular medical examinations as advised by your doctor. You should receive prenatal care throughout your pregnancy by visiting an accredited medical institution. By doing this, you will be able to minimize any risks to you and your unborn child.
Useful Information
Korean Prenatal Care
Koreans have long believed that the behavior and mentality of the mother during pregnancy affects the baby mentally, emotionally, and physically. This approach to prenatal care is called Tae-gyo. Traditionally, the pregnant mother is advised to exercise caution in everything she does, refrain from all negative thinking and harmful actions, and talk and act in a relaxed manner to ensure the birth of a healthy child. As part of this mentality, there are many limitations on what a pregnant woman can eat, think, and do. From the perspective of an expectant female immigrant, advice on prenatal care from the husband's family may seem like an invasion of privacy, and may also be very stressful.
However, this stress may come from cultural differences, so it is useful to talk with each other to build a better understanding. The spouse is encouraged to actively participate in tae-gyo for healthy pregnancy and delivery of the child.
04Maternity Services at Public Health Centers
Pregnant women (including marriage immigrants) can receive healthcare service at the public health center.
Especially, high-risk pregnant women require mandatory care at any of the public health centers or healthcare facilities.
- High-risk expecting mothers
Special care is required for pregnant women who are unusually young or old (under 20 years old or over 35 years old), have pregnancy complications such as preterm labor, birth-related bleeding, or severe preeclampsia, or have previously given birth to a premature baby or a baby with a congenital defect.
(1)Prenatal Examination
Public health centers offer the following tests: early confirmation of pregnancy, urine examination (diabetes, protein), and blood tests (hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, serologic test of syphilis, hepatitis, blood type). Expectant mothers can receive testing by signing up at their local public health center. (Please note, tests offered may vary by center).
(2)Childbirth Preparatory Classes and Education
- Classes on breastfeeding, exercises for pregnant women, childbirth preparation, baby massage and other topics are available.
- Some regions have institutions that lend out books, CDs, and videos related to pregnancy, prenatal education, and delivery.
- Prenatal education programs are run by the local government and may differ by region.
(3)Support of Iron Pills
Pregnant women who have registered at public health centers at more than 16 weeks of pregnancy are entitled to receive iron supplements for 5 months.
(4)Support of Folic Acid
Pregnant women or women preparing for pregnancy who have registered at public health centers are entitled to receive folic acid supplements for 3 months before and after pregnancy.
(5)Medical Expenses Support for Pregnant Women at High Risk
Support is provided for up to 3 million won in medical expenses not covered by health insurance for women in a high-risk pregnancy who are diagnosed with any of the 19 major high-risk pregnancy complications and admitted to a hospital.
- Eligible for support: Pregnant women diagnosed with one of the 19 major high-risk pregnancy diseases* and receiving hospitalization treatment
- Premature labor, birth-related bleeding, severe toxemia of pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, abruptio placentae, placenta previa, threatened abortio, hypamnios, oligoamnios, antepartum hemorrhage, incompetent cervix, high blood pressure, multiple pregnancy, diabetes, hyperemesis gravidarum with metabolic disorder, renal disease, cardiac insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine and adnexal diseases
- Allotment: 90% of the whole payment and uninsured payment borne by the admitted high-risk pregnant women (within the limit of KRW 3 million) (Excluding hospitalization fee and special meals for patients)
- Application procedure: Apply online using the public health portal of the public health center or e-health center in the jurisdiction of the pregnant woman's resident registration address, or the Aimajung (prenatal/postpartum) app within six months from the date of childbirth, with the required documents being prepared.
- Required documents: 1 copy of application form, 1 copy of medical certificate (including disease name & disease code), admission/discharge confirmation, medical expense receipt, 1 copy of detailed medical expense statement, 1 copy of resident registration, 1 copy of subsidy deposit account (name of person eligible for support), applicant’s valid form of ID, etc.
(6)Nutrition Plus Program
This program, implemented by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, seeks to provide the eligible pregnant women and infants nutrition education and counseling, as well as supplementary food to reduce their risk of malnutrition and independently maintain a nutritious diet.
| Type | Aid Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility |
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| Aid Information | Providing supplementary nutritional food packages |
| How to Apply |
Necessary Documents
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This program is available at public health centers nationwide except for in Ongjin-gun (Incheon) and Ulleungdo (Gyeongsangbuk-do). Please visit or call your local public health center for more information.
(7)National Vaccination Support Program for Influenza for Pregnant Women
A program that provides flu vaccinations for pregnant women to prevent infections by influenza in pregnant women and fetuses
- Target : Pregnant women (can be vaccinated regardless of weeks into pregnancy)
- For those who can submit documents that can prove pregnancy (Maternity Handbook, etc.)
- Aid Information : One influenza vaccination
- Vaccination centers : Public healthcare centers and designated healthcare organizations
- Vaccination is available at public health centers or designated healthcare organizations regardless of address. For designated healthcare organizations, please visit the website of the National Inoculation Program (https://nip.cdc.go.kr) Vaccination management for my child Find medical institution (Also available via mobile app)
05Giving Birth
Pregnant women can give birth at an OB/GYN clinic or hospital. Birthing options and procedures should be discussed before labor to avoid any miscommunications. Two of the most common ways to give birth are vaginally and via c-section.
(1)Vaginal Childbirth
- Vaginal childbirth is when the child comes out through the vagina without the help of medication or machines. The perineal region may be cut to make the birth easier.
- In some cases, such as when the baby is long overdue, a woman may be induced. With your first baby, labor may take about 10 hours, while labor for a subsequent baby usually takes up to 5 hours.
- Vaginal births may be painful, but they have a shorter recovery time and are known to be the best method. Also, a vaginal birth results in the shortest hospital stay, usually only 2 to 3 days, and is also the most economical.
(2)Caesarian Section (C-Section)
- When natural childbirth is not an option, a c-section must be performed. This procedure is used when a vaginal birth is deemed as too risky to the mother or child such as in the cases of advanced maternal age, a narrow pelvis, or a breeched birth.
- A c-section is a type of surgery and may lead to complications. For this reason, women are encouraged to pursue a vaginal childbirth unless a c-section is absolutely necessary.
- A c-section requires a hospital stay of approximately one week after giving birth and is more costly than a vaginal childbirth.
Prenatal and childbirth translation and interpretation services can be requested by contacting the Danuri Helpline (☎1577-1366) or your local multi-cultural family support center or, public health center.
06Support of first meet-up coupon
For new-born babies, KRW 2 million of the first meet-up coupon is provided to lessen the financial burden incurred from infant-based child care.
- Eligibility :
- Babies who are born after January 1, 2022 and have a resident registration number normally by registering their birth;
- Have Korean nationality* (including people with multiple nationalities and those with refugee status** according to the Refugee Act);
- If new-born babies have Korean nationality even if both parents are foreign nationals are considered to satisfy the requirements.
- Excluded if they are under a review of the Application for Recognition of Refugee Status
- In the case of babies who are born overseas, a resident registration number is issued after checking the status of their stay in Korea (Resident registration office manual in 2020).
- ‘Specially designated contributors’ according to the Act on Treatment of Foreigners Residing in the Republic of Korea;
- Babies who received a social welfare computer management number before making birth registration and if they are in a children’s foster care facility according to Article 52 (1) 1 of The Child Welfare Act or under a protective measure at communal housing according to Article 52 (1) 4 of the same Act
- Amount of Support :
- Issues a Citizen Happiness Card (points) worth KRW 2 million per new-born baby in principle, but make an exception (cash) in some inevitable cases;
- Application Method :
- (walk-in) administrative welfare centers in Eup, Myeon, or Dong, (online) Government 24, Bokjiro homepage;
- Effective Period :
- one year from a baby’s birth date (Resident registration date;
- Points issued which are not expended within the period will automatically expire at the end of valid date and does not carry over to the next period;
- (eg) In the case of a baby born in April 27, 2022, a voucher can be used until April 26, 2023 and will automatically expire from 00:00 on April 27, 2023.
- Except children of a foster care home who received cash via a Didim Seed Bankbook;
- Since the payment start date is from April 1, 2022, as an exception, for births between January and March 2022, it can be used from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.
- Range of Use :
- Usable at all businesses (including online purchases), except duty-free stores and gambling and entertainment industries*
- Usable in various places except the above businesses as the voucher is to lessen economic burden of families with new-born babies
- (Excluded businesses) Entertainment businesses (general pubs, dancing and drinking halls, draft beer joints, other liquor shops), gambling businesses (casino, lottery, game rooms), sanitary facilities (massage parlor, facial massage, sauna), leisure businesses (video rooms, singing rooms, etc), other (adult products, gift certificates), duty-free stores, electronic gift cards, etc
- According to the three classification of the Korea Standard Industry Code, conforming to the use of public agency clean cards
This work can be used according to the “KOGL (Korea Open Government License) Type 4: Source Indication+Prohibition of Commercial Use+Prohibition of Change” condition.
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