Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs: About 21% Responded 'Higher Than Expected'. Actual Out-of-Pocket Expenses: 'Less Than 500,000 Yen' Was Most Common at 69.2%

How Much Do Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs?

While welcoming a new family member through pregnancy and childbirth brings great joy, many people may be concerned about the costs of childbirth and childcare.

"How much does childbirth cost?" "Will the budget I planned in advance be enough?"

These financial anxieties are a common concern for those who are about to give birth.

So, how much do actual childbirth costs differ from the amounts anticipated beforehand?

Therefore, in collaboration with Hiraishi Children's Clinic, we conducted a survey on "Costs and Financial Preparations for Childbirth and Childcare" targeting 250 men and women nationwide who responded "have children" in a preliminary survey.

*When quoting the content of this press release, please take the following actions:*

* Indicate that the source is "a survey by NEXER Inc. and Hiraishi Children's Clinic." * Include a link to Hiraishi Children's Clinic (https://hiraishi-clinic.com/)

Survey Overview: "Survey on Costs and Financial Preparations for Childbirth and Childcare"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 23, 2026 - June 29, 2026

Survey Target: Men and women nationwide who responded "have children" in a preliminary survey

Valid Responses: 250 samples

Questions:

Question 1: Regarding the costs incurred for pregnancy and childbirth, what was the total amount you expected before childbirth?

Question 2: What was the total amount of actual costs incurred for pregnancy and childbirth (out-of-pocket expenses)?

Question 3: Did you feel a gap between your expectations and the actual costs for pregnancy and childbirth?

Question 4: What do you think were the factors or events that led to the gap between your expectations and reality?

Question 5: What methods did you use to prepare for the costs of pregnancy and childbirth? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 6: How did you feel about the costs of prenatal testing (NIPT, amniocentesis, etc.)?

Question 7: Please explain the reason for your opinion.

Question 8: Were you able to fully utilize public subsidy systems for pregnancy and childbirth (lump-sum birth allowance, prenatal check-up subsidies, infertility treatment subsidies, etc.)?

Question 9: What do you wish you had known more about regarding information on pregnancy and childbirth costs and public systems?

*Note: In principle, figures are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

66.8% Responded That the Total Expected Cost Before Childbirth Was Less Than 500,000 Yen

First, we asked respondents who have children about the total amount they expected for pregnancy and childbirth costs before giving birth.

The most common answer was "Less than 500,000 yen" at 66.8%.

This was followed by "500,000 yen to less than 1,000,000 yen" at 27.6%, "1,000,000 yen to less than 1,500,000 yen" at 4.4%, and "1,500,000 yen to less than 2,000,000 yen" at 1.2%.

About 70% of expectations were "less than 500,000 yen."

It appears that this range is the benchmark for pregnancy and childbirth costs for many households.

69.2% Responded That the Actual Out-of-Pocket Expenses Were "Less Than 500,000 Yen"

Next, we asked respondents who have children about the total amount of actual costs incurred for pregnancy and childbirth (out-of-pocket expenses).

The most common answer was "Less than 500,000 yen" at 69.2%.

This was followed by "500,000 yen to less than 1,000,000 yen" at 25.2%, "1,000,000 yen to less than 1,500,000 yen" at 4.0%, and "1,500,000 yen to less than 2,000,000 yen" at 1.6%.

Actual childbirth costs also showed a similar trend to expectations, with about 70% falling under "less than 500,000 yen."

This result suggests that childbirth costs are generally predictable to some extent.

However, this is only the overall trend.

Childbirth situations vary for each individual, and sometimes things do not go as planned.

Therefore, it is advisable to consider the possibility of unexpected expenses.

21.2% Responded That Pregnancy and Childbirth Costs Were "Higher Than Expected"

Next, we asked respondents who have children if they felt a gap between their expectations and the actual costs for pregnancy and childbirth.

The result was that 75.2% responded "Almost as expected," which was the vast majority.

On the other hand, 16.0% responded "Slightly higher than expected," and 5.2% responded "Significantly higher than expected," totaling 21.2% who felt the costs were higher than expected.

Additionally, 2.0% responded "Slightly lower than expected," and 1.6% responded "Significantly lower than expected."

We also asked about the factors and events that led to the gap between expectations and reality, and here are some examples:

What do you think were the factors or events that led to the gap between your expectations and reality?

* I forgot that hospitalization and meal costs would be incurred in addition to childbirth. (30s, Female) * It cost a lot to buy a child car seat, stroller, and other large items. I was also surprised by the out-of-pocket expenses for childbirth. (30s, Female) * Blood tests and other detailed examinations were quite an expense. (40s, Female) * Because it was a premature birth, the hospitalization was prolonged. (40s, Male) * Because the subsidies were not enough. (40s, Female)

While 75.2% responded "Almost as expected," 21.2% felt that the costs were "higher than expected."

Looking at the experiences of those who have actually given birth, it is evident that unexpected events such as extended hospitalization due to premature birth or additional tests led to increased costs.

Furthermore, some respondents mentioned hospitalization and meal costs, as well as childcare items like car seats and strollers, indicating that expenses beyond childbirth costs contributed to the gap between expectations and reality.

While childbirth costs can be somewhat predictable, unexpected expenses may arise depending on the situation.

Having a buffer for unexpected costs may lead to peace of mind.

56.0% Responded That They "Used Everyday Savings" to Prepare for Costs

Next, we asked respondents who have children what methods they used to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth costs.

The most common answer was "Used everyday savings" at 56.0%.

This was followed by "Used the lump-sum birth allowance as the main source of funds" at 24.4%, and "Utilized subsidies and support systems from local governments and the national government" at 16.0%.

On the other hand, 19.2% responded "Did not prepare anything in particular."

More than half responded that they "Used everyday savings," suggesting that many households planned their childbirth expenses.

Additionally, there were a significant number of responses such as "Used the lump-sum birth allowance as the main source of funds" and "Utilized subsidies and support systems from local governments and the national government."

The lump-sum birth allowance is a payment from public health insurance at the time of childbirth.

This shows that there are various ways households prepare for childbirth costs, and public systems play a role in supporting these expenses.

However, about 20% of respondents indicated that they "did not prepare anything in particular."

Since childbirth may not always go as planned, it is advisable to confirm available systems in advance in addition to everyday savings for peace of mind.

58.8% Responded That They "Did Not Undergo Prenatal Testing"

Next, we asked respondents who have children how they felt about the costs of prenatal testing (NIPT, amniocentesis, etc.).

NIPT is a test that examines the condition of the fetus from the pregnant woman's blood.

The most common answer was "Did not undergo the test itself (for reasons other than cost)" at 58.8%.

This was followed by "Felt the cost was reasonable and underwent the test" at 18.4%, and "Felt the cost was high but accepted it as a necessary investment" at 11.2%.

We also asked for the reasons behind these opinions, and here are some examples:

Respondents who answered "Felt the cost was reasonable and underwent the test"

* If it can be detected early, it's good because treatment can start sooner. (30s, Female) * Because it provides peace of mind. (30s, Female) * I wanted to confirm beforehand, so I didn't mind the price. (50s, Male)

Respondents who answered "Felt the cost was high but accepted it as a necessary investment"

* The cost is high, but it's necessary. (50s, Male) * Because it was an advanced maternal age pregnancy. (50s, Female) * Peace of mind is important, even if it costs money. (60s, Male)

Respondents who answered "Did not undergo the test itself (for reasons other than cost)"

* I didn't want to know before the baby was born. (30s, Female) * Because there was no explanation or recommendation from the doctor. (30s, Male) * Because I intended to accept any situation. (40s, Male)

"Did not undergo the test itself (for reasons other than cost)" was the most common response at 58.8%, indicating that the decision to undergo prenatal testing is made based on individual circumstances and beliefs, not just cost.

On the other hand, those who responded "Felt the cost was reasonable and underwent the test" or "Felt the cost was high but accepted it as a necessary investment" cited reasons such as "wanting to gain peace of mind" and "wanting to know in advance."

This suggests that the decision to undergo prenatal testing is based on various factors, including cost, beliefs, and the desired level of reassurance.

If you have concerns about testing, it is important to receive a thorough explanation from your doctor or medical institution and consider it after understanding its content and characteristics.

79.2% Responded That They "Were Able to Utilize Public Subsidy Systems"

Finally, we asked respondents who have children if they were able to fully utilize public subsidy systems for pregnancy and childbirth (lump-sum birth allowance, prenatal check-up subsidies, infertility treatment subsidies, etc.).

The results showed that 42.4% responded "Was able to utilize to some extent," and 36.8% responded "Was able to utilize fully," totaling 79.2% who reported being able to utilize these systems.

On the other hand, 13.2% responded "Was not able to utilize at all," and 7.6% responded "Was not able to utilize much."

We also asked what they wished they had known more about regarding information on pregnancy and childbirth costs and public systems, and here are some examples:

What do you wish you had known more about regarding information on pregnancy and childbirth costs and public systems?

* Postpartum care. (30s, Female) * Specific examples of cost differences between hospitals. (30s, Male) * I didn't know what systems were available. (40s, Female) * How to go through the procedures. (40s, Male) * The actual costs not covered by public funds are unclear. (40s, Female) * I wanted some guidance from the city, as there's a lot of information you have to inquire about yourself. (50s, Female)

Approximately 80% responded that they were able to utilize public subsidy systems, indicating that many people prepared for pregnancy and childbirth by using these systems.

However, some voices expressed that they felt they did not receive sufficient information about the existence and use of these systems, such as "I didn't know what systems were available" and "There's a lot of information you have to inquire about yourself."

Additionally, there were requests for specific cost-related information, such as "differences in costs between hospitals" and "actual costs not covered by public funds."

To fully utilize pregnancy and childbirth-related systems, it is important to gather information early not only on the available support but also on procedures and estimated out-of-pocket expenses.

Summary

This survey found that the most common actual out-of-pocket expense for pregnancy and childbirth was "less than 500,000 yen" at 69.2%, indicating that many people experienced childbirth with costs close to their initial expectations.

However, 21.2% reported that the costs exceeded their expectations, and it appears that unexpected expenses can arise depending on the situation, such as extended hospitalization, additional tests, and the purchase of childbirth and childcare items.

Regarding cost preparation, "everyday savings" was the most common method, and about 80% utilized public subsidy systems.

On the other hand, there were also requests for more detailed information about the systems and procedures.

For pregnancy and childbirth costs, available systems, and various tests, choices vary depending on individual circumstances and beliefs.

By confirming necessary information early and proceeding with preparations in consultation with medical institutions, it will be easier to approach childbirth with a sense of satisfaction.

*Regarding use in articles, etc.:*

* Indicate that the source is "a survey by NEXER Inc. and Hiraishi Children's Clinic." * Include a link to Hiraishi Children's Clinic (https://hiraishi-clinic.com/)

*About Hiraishi Children's Clinic:*

Location: 1-10-7 Nishi-Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021 MMS Building 6F

Director: Masaki Watanabe

Tel: 0120-220-944

URL: https://hiraishi-clinic.com/

*About NEXER Inc.:*

Head Office: Rise Arena Building 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

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