The expansion of global mobility has led to a growing number of women navigating childbirth and parenting across national borders. In Japan, the population of foreign residents surpassed 3.58 million in 2024. This study explores the experiences of Chinese immigrant women during pregnancy and childbirth, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by physical separation from their families due to migration. Key research questions include: What forms of support and constraints do Chinese immigrant women encounter during pregnancy and childbirth? How do they interpret these experiences? How does transnational mobility shape their childbirth-related narratives and practices? The findings highlight the pivotal role of kinship networks, the scarcity of spousal support, and limited public assistance in Japan. Case studies of two women illustrate how differing migration pathways influence their access to support networks. The analysis also uncovers contrasting views of traditional postpartum practices such as zuoyuezi: one perceives it as restrictive and unscientific, while the other embraces it as an expression of ethnic identity. Moreover, while public and private resources provided some support, traditional gender roles were often reinforced within immigrant families. These findings shed light on the complex interplay between international migration, women’s social status, and gender norms. While transnational mobility creates opportunities for transformation of social norms, it also perpetuates traditional values and exposes contradictions in evolving gender dynamics. This underscores the need for more inclusive and supportive systems to address the unique challenges faced by immigrant women in navigating pregnancy and childbirth.
