Most expats choose to deliver in a private hospital rather than public, and the most foreigner-friendly maternity hospitals tend to be private and their prices higher – Aiiku Hospital (p.119) is popular. This normally ensures you get the level of care you want, more privacy, and the pain relief you need. You will also find that more doctors in the private sector speak English. There are a few places that are part public, part private, but going private gets the majority vote. At the cheapest expect to pay around ¥300,000 at a small private clinic and at the top end of the market it could cost ¥1 to ¥2 million. This price includes an epidural, and the potential birthing complications that could result in an emergency caesarean. When choosing a hospital it is important to do so early on in the pregnancy, as you will need to register in order to deliver there. Even if you are considering going home for the birth, as a cautionary procedure consider signing up just in case. Also note that although cheaper (costing around ¥300,000), most public hospitals do not offer the option of epidurals.