About 37% of Respondents Felt Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs Required Between 300,000 and 500,000 Yen; About 34% Felt a Gap Between Expectations and Reality

■ The Reality of Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs and Choosing a Clinic

When someone finds out they are pregnant, many wonder, "How much money will this cost?" and "Which obstetrician-gynecologist should I choose?"

Although there are public subsidies like the childbirth lump-sum allowance, the actual experience of pregnancy and childbirth often differs from expectations. Also, many people are unsure about what criteria to use when choosing a clinic.

Therefore, this time, in collaboration with Hiraishi Children's Clinic, we conducted a survey on "Choosing Medical Institutions/Clinics and Trustworthiness" targeting 300 men and women nationwide who answered in a preliminary survey that they or their partner had experienced pregnancy.

*When citing the content of this press release, please comply with the following:

- Indicate that the source is "a survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Hiraishi Children's Clinic."
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Survey Overview: "Survey on Choosing Medical Institutions/Clinics and Trustworthiness"

Survey Method: Internet questionnaire

Survey Period: May 20, 2026 – May 25, 2026

Survey Subjects: Men and women nationwide who answered in a preliminary survey that they or their partner had experienced pregnancy

Valid Responses: 300 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: How much did you actually feel was necessary for pregnancy and childbirth costs?

Question 2: Was there a gap between your expectations and the reality of pregnancy and childbirth costs?

Question 3: In what ways did you feel a gap?

Question 4: What was the most important factor when choosing an obstetrics/gynecology clinic during pregnancy?

Question 5: Please tell us the reason.

Question 6: Were you satisfied with the explanations and support from doctors and counselors?

Question 7: Were there any points where you wished for more detailed explanations? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 8: Please specify the points where you wished for more detailed explanations.

*Note: Figures are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not equal 100%.

■ 36.7% Responded That Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs Were Between 300,000 and 500,000 Yen

First, we asked how much respondents actually felt was necessary for pregnancy and childbirth costs.

The most common response was "300,000 yen to less than 500,000 yen" at 36.7%.

This was followed by "100,000 yen to less than 300,000 yen" at 22.3%, "Don't remember" at 20.3%, "500,000 yen to less than 700,000 yen" at 13.0%, "700,000 yen or more" at 4.7%, and "Less than 100,000 yen" at 3.0%.

Combining those who answered "300,000 yen or more" totals 54.4%, indicating that over half of the respondents felt that relatively substantial costs were necessary. Although there are subsidy systems like the childbirth lump-sum allowance, the actual burden seems far from negligible.

■ 33.7% Responded That There Was a Gap Between Expectations and Reality Regarding Costs

Next, we asked whether there was a gap between expectations and reality regarding pregnancy and childbirth costs.

The most common response was "Not much" at 56.3%.

This was followed by "A little" at 24.7%, "Not at all" at 10.0%, and "A large gap" at 9.0%.

Combining "A little" and "A large gap" totals 33.7%, meaning about one in three people felt some kind of gap between expectations and reality.

So, in what specific ways did they feel a gap?

We asked about the specific points where they felt a gap, and here are some responses.

How did you feel a gap?

- There were more opportunities requiring money than I expected. (Female, 20s)
- I thought there would be no cost because of government subsidies, but I felt a gap due to the items to prepare and examination costs not covered by subsidies. (Female, 30s)
- More money was needed than the public funds provided. (Male, 30s)
- There were many out-of-pocket medical treatments not covered by insurance. (Female, 40s)
- Indirect costs like meals and service charges when I was on absolute rest were higher than the direct costs of childbirth. (Female, 40s)
- There were many small expenses, and before I knew it, the total became a large amount. (Male, 50s)

The core of the gap seems to be the difference between the assumption that "subsidies will cover it" and the actual costs incurred. It appears that costs that are difficult to imagine beforehand, such as examination fees, private room charges during hospitalization, and various small expenses for childbirth preparation, accumulate and lead to a sense of burden.

■ 30.7% Responded That "Attitude of Doctors/Staff" Was the Most Important Factor in Choosing a Clinic

Next, we asked what was the most important factor when choosing an obstetrics/gynecology clinic during pregnancy.

The most common response was "Attitude of doctors/staff" at 30.7%.

This was followed by "Location" at 27.7% and "Word-of-mouth reviews" at 14.0%.

We also asked about the reasons for choosing each item, and here are some responses.

Those who chose "Attitude of doctors/staff":

- I thought it was important to have a hospital where my wife and child could feel safe and comfortable attending for a long time. (Male, 30s)
- Because it's a matter of life and death. (Female, 30s)
- It's more important that my wife can trust the staff than the cost. (Male, 40s)

Those who chose "Location":
- Before returning to my hometown for delivery, my morning sickness was severe, so I wanted a place that was close by. (Female, 30s)
- I chose a place I could get to quickly even if labor started. (Female, 30s)
- It's important to be able to get there immediately. (Male, 30s)

Those who chose "Word-of-mouth reviews":
- I always check reviews. (Male, 20s)
- I feel that reviews from people who have actually used the clinic are the most reassuring. (Female, 30s)
- I don't want to go to a clinic with bad reviews. (Female, 30s)

Among those who prioritized "Attitude of doctors/staff," there was a strong emphasis on whether they could entrust their care with peace of mind. Because pregnancy and childbirth involve life-threatening situations, many people seek trustworthy care over cost or facilities.

Regarding "Location," many respondents emphasized the importance of being able to visit easily during morning sickness or labor. For "Word-of-mouth reviews," it appears that people want to choose a clinic they can feel safe with by referring to the experiences of actual users.

■ 90.7% Were "Satisfied" with Explanations and Support from Doctors and Counselors

Next, we asked whether respondents were satisfied with the explanations and support from doctors and counselors.

The results showed that 22.7% were "very satisfied" and 68.0% were "somewhat satisfied," totaling 90.7%. On the other hand, 7.0% were "not very satisfied" and 2.3% were "not satisfied at all."

While the high satisfaction rate is reassuring, the fact that nearly 70% were only "somewhat satisfied" suggests there may still be room for improvement in explanations and support.

■ Points Where More Detailed Explanations Were Desired: "Costs" and "Postpartum Support" Each at 26.3%, Tied for Most

Next, we asked if there were any points where they wished for more detailed explanations.