Confirming pregnancy and seeing an obstetrician

When you learn you are pregnant, go to two places — an obstetrician and the public health centre. Support schemes start from there.

Steps

1. Confirm with a pregnancy test, available at pharmacies and convenience stores.
2. See an obstetrician. An ultrasound confirms the weeks and condition.
3. Get the pregnancy confirmation certificate. You need it to apply for support.
4. Go to the public health centre for the maternity handbook, free tests, and folic acid and iron supplements.
5. Apply for the National Happiness card — medical cost support. See the pregnancy-support-card guide.
6. Book your regular check-up schedule.

What to ask the obstetrician

• How many weeks am I?
• When is my due date?
• When is the next check-up?
• Is there anything I must avoid?
• Are there medicines I must not take?

What you need

• Alien Registration Card
• Health insurance details
• The first day of your last period
• A list of medication you take

Where to go

• A nearby obstetrics clinic
• Your nearest public health centre (maternity handbook, free tests)
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
• Your local Family Center
• 129 health and welfare counselling

Questions people ask

I have no insurance. There are support schemes for pregnancy and childbirth. Ask the health centre, 129 and 1577-1366. Many local governments run their own support.

I don't speak Korean. 1577-1366 guides you in 13 languages. Ask a Family Center for accompaniment with an interpreter.

I have no valid status. You can still receive pregnancy and childbirth care. Talk to the health centre or a support organisation first. There are also ways to register the baby's birth.

My husband won't let me go to hospital. Without prenatal care both mother and baby are at risk. Tell 1577-1366 about that too.

Take care

Early pregnancy check-ups matter most. Do not delay — see an obstetrician the same week you find out. Stop alcohol and smoking immediately, and always tell the doctor what medication you take.

Related

prenatal-care · pregnancy-support-card · childbirth-hospital · pregnancy-support

Source

Ministry of Health and Welfare www.childcare.go.kr / As of 2026-08