Korea's pregnant women reveal daily struggles despite public claims of support

Pregnant women in Korea face various challenges in daily life, with street smoking being the most common nuisance. Many also struggle with a lack of understanding about pregnancy changes at home and workplace pressures. A recent survey reveals gaps in societal consideration for pregnant women. While 82.6% of the general public claim to show consideration, only 56.1% of pregnant women report receiving it. This creates a perception gap of 26.5 percentage points.

Nearly half of pregnant women have received no extra support at all. In public spaces, 60.9% feel uncomfortable using priority seats on transport. At work, the most negative experience is pressure from supervisors or colleagues, though flexible commuting hours are highly valued when offered.

The overall level of societal consideration, as rated by the general public, stands at 69.1 points. Despite this, many pregnant women still encounter significant daily difficulties. The findings highlight a disconnect between public perception and the reality for pregnant women. Street smoking, workplace pressures, and discomfort with priority seating remain key issues. Improved awareness and practical support could address these gaps.