Giving birth abroad may seem scary, but Beijing’s hospitals offer options that any expat should feel comfortable with. Many doctors at United Family, American-Sino OB/GYN, and other hospitals will be excellent, or native, English speakers. You can also expect attentive service, western amenities, and even extras like prenatal yoga. Local hospitals are also an option; Peking Union Medical College Hospital comes closest to providing an environment that is up to western standards.
Many Chinese women prefer to give birth using Caesarean sections, allowing them to use epidurals and thus eliminate much of the pain. Choice of midwife is often limited, as are chances for water births, and hospitals often lack neo-natal intensive care units. If you are interested in a homebirth, it can be difficult to find a midwife, and your best bet is to network through groups like La Leche League, which offers local support in English, French, and Chinese.
Many health insurance policies only cover pregnancy-related costs if the policy was purchased before the pregnancy began. It is often treated as a pre-existing condition, so be sure to check with your insurance provider.