Preparation 

The first thing you should think about, even before conception, if possible, is to make sure your insurance provider covers your pregnancy. Modern hospitals in China that are on a par with Western ones don't come cheap.

Check also the limit on the amount of your coverage and at which hospitals your insurance is accepted. Big insurance providers sometimes have direct billing agreements with some private hospitals of main Chinese cities, which can be convenient.

There are differences between public and private structures regarding the choice of a hospital. In Beijing, for example, the best public hospitals and private hospitals offer birth units that match Western standards. A normal delivery in a public hospital costs around 15,000 yuan ($2,205) whereas the price can climb to 56,000 yuan ($8,235), excluding prenatal care cost.

The most important thing is to try and find a hospital that suits your requirements. Convenience in terms of location is a key factor, as you will end up going to the hospital a lot for check-ups and tests. On this subject, keep in mind that China's traffic gridlock might complicate things on D-day if the hospital you've chosen is far from where you live.

Most hospitals offer delivery packages that include prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care. Don't hesitate to establish a birthing plan with your doctor detailing your wishes related to delivery, birthing methods, and pain relief techniques. Not all hospitals have an intensive care unit. If you have a known complicated pregnancy history, it might be better for you to choose a hospital with such a service.

You should also know that you can enjoy plenty of recovery time in a private hospital (up to four days after a C-section) during which nurses will teach you how to take care of your newborn baby, while public hospitals will have less time to devote to you due to more patients. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer prenatal yoga classes and childbirth preparation classes in English.