Japan when 5 months pregnant

[Chocolotandtea]

So we planned to finally do our trip of a lifetime to Japan next year before starting a family but I got pregnant a lot quicker than expected (super grateful for this as have many family and friends who have struggled with fertility, I am fully aware of how heart wrenching this is and was expecting the same for myself).

Would it be a good or terrible idea to still go when 5 months pregnant? I know it’s safe to travel, no vaccines or anything required. Jsut worried it’ll be too much for me but also appreciate that every pregnancy is different.

Hope someone can provide some guidance!

I don't see why not. I'm also going on a long haul trip whilst 18 weeks pregnant. I think you just need to check with your midwife that it's ok to travel. Get a good travel insurance and read the policy documents properly.
I'm unsure on risks e.g. zika virus but I assume it's ok as you have said it is.
Be very careful with diet over there.

Holiday insurance? What will it cost you? Will it cover you and an early arrival baby? Possibly not. So what then? Japan is clean and safe but few people speak English. Personally I would bring it forward.

You need to have three Covid vaccinations for Japan

Thanks for advice all @HermioneWeasley i have all my covid vaccines but don’t know if they have to have been a certain date away - will check the gov website

My main issue would be the food, lots of sushi or dishes that you really don't know what's in them. Delicious, but not ideal when pregnant. That said, if you stick to noodles/rice you'd probably be fine, it just seems a shame to miss out on the amazing sushi!

My DD has just returned from japan. It sounds amazing! She had no trouble with the language barrier - most people speak English and most things are translated into English. They didn't have to eat sushi day and night - they also found Macy’s and pizza places for when they wanted something quick and recognisable. Travel was easy and safe.

Yes! I went at 20 weeks and it was brilliant.

Its the most fascinating country (I’ve traveled a lot, and it’s by far my favourite), and really easy to travel round. I got a (very cute) Japanese ‘baby on board’ style badge from the tourist office in the first train station, and was treated like a queen everywhere.

Japanese dietary guidance doesn’t say to avoid sushi, so I ate it happily there. And it was worth every bite.

There were a few things that DH did and I avoided (mostly hill climbing), but I was more than happy to find a nice spot to sip tea while he did energetic things.

It was an amazing holiday to have as our last baby free one. DO IT!!

Amazing advice @MolesOnPoles thanks so much!!

Japan is very safe, clean and easy to travel around. I’d say it would be one of the places I’d feel more comfortable travelling around pregnant. Definitely check the vaccine info, insurance stuff etc but I’d say it’s doable and worth it if it’s a trip you really want to do. You can easily avoid sushi if you don’t want to eat raw fish.