Once the medical side is settled, a maternity trip becomes a logistics project. Here is the checklist our international patients actually use.
Before you book flights
- Remote consultation first. Never book travel before the obstetric team has confirmed you are fit to fly and has recommended a pathway.
- Due-date arithmetic. Plan to arrive by week 32–34 at the latest for a delivery-only stay; earlier for a full pregnancy pathway or confinement stay.
- Documents: passport valid 6+ months, prenatal notes and ultrasound reports, current medication list with generic drug names, fit-to-fly letter after 28 weeks.
- Visa: tourist or business visa for short stays; medical visa with our invitation letter for longer programs. Apply 6–8 weeks before travel.
Flights and arrival
Shanghai (Pudong PVG / Hongqiao SHA), Beijing (PEK / PKX) and Guangzhou (CAN) all have direct international flights from most major hubs. Book a flight arriving in daylight if possible — our driver meets you at arrivals with a name board, and the transfer to the hospital takes 45–90 minutes depending on the city and traffic.
Accommodation
- During prenatal visits and delivery: a private LDR or postpartum suite is included in every program. The partner can stay in the suite.
- During outpatient parts of the pathway: we help book hotels or serviced apartments near the partner hospital at negotiated rates.
- For accompanying family: we assist with nearby hotel or serviced apartment booking.
Money and connectivity
- International bank cards work in most ATMs. Mobile payment (Alipay / WeChat Pay) now accepts foreign cards via specific apps and is worth setting up before departure.
- Buy or arrange a data plan — eSIMs with China data work well. The hospital provides Wi-Fi.
- Bring any regular medication in original packaging with the prescription, plus enough for the whole stay plus margin.
What to pack
- Prenatal notes, ultrasound reports, and a copy of your fit-to-fly letter
- Comfortable, easy-to-change clothes for the postpartum stay
- Personal toiletries and any preferred snacks (confinement meals are provided but you may want familiar items)
- A baby car seat if you plan to use one for the trip home (also required by most airlines)
- Phone and laptop for staying in touch with family
During your stay
Your care coordinator handles scheduling, translation and daily logistics. Midwives, lactation consultants and the TCM team all see you on a structured schedule. Before discharge you receive a complete English-language discharge summary, the newborn screening results, the vaccination record, and a personalized postpartum recovery plan.