China is a vast and diverse country, and pregnancy and birth customs vary by region, generation, and family. What you encounter will depend a lot on where you live and the people around you. Take what’s relevant, set aside what isn’t, and approach differences with curiosity where you can.
During Pregnancy
How People Will Treat You
Expect to be looked after — sometimes more than you want. Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on the fragility of pregnant women, and the people around you, particularly older women, may offer a steady stream of advice and gentle restrictions. You may be told not to lift anything, not to ride a bike, to rest more, to eat differently. This attention comes from a place of genuine care, even when it feels like a lot.
Traditional Beliefs
Many Chinese families still observe traditional pregnancy customs, though how strictly they’re followed varies widely. A few you may encounter:
- Certain foods are considered risky during pregnancy — shellfish and pineapple are commonly avoided, and food is often prepared with extra care.
- Light-colored foods and coconut milk are thought to contribute to a fair complexion for the baby.
- Attending funerals is considered bad luck for a pregnant woman.
- Excessive belly-rubbing is sometimes discouraged, with the belief that it spoils the child.
- Some families advise limiting screen time — phones, computers, televisions — due to concerns about radiation.
You don’t need to follow any of these, but understanding them helps when the people around you do.
Delivery
Placenta
After delivery, hospital staff may ask whether you want to keep the placenta. In Chinese traditional medicine, the placenta has long been valued for its believed health benefits — supporting postpartum recovery, milk production, and uterine health. Some families choose to take it home for medicinal preparation. This is entirely your choice; just know the question may come.
After Birth
坐月子 — “Sitting the Month”
The most significant postpartum custom you’ll encounter is zuò yuèzi — literally “sitting the month.” For the first 30 days after birth, the mother is expected to rest almost completely, staying indoors and avoiding cold air, drafts, and anything thought to introduce “cold” into the body. This means no showers, no hair washing, no going outside, and no cold food or drink. Warm, nourishing foods are emphasized — fish soup and pig’s trotters are traditional staples, believed to support recovery and milk production.
The reasoning is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and centuries of high maternal mortality. Today it’s observed in varying degrees — some families follow it strictly, others adapt it to modern life. Many expat women find a middle ground, taking the spirit of the rest period seriously while relaxing some of the stricter rules.
If you’re living far from your own family, your mother-in-law or a hired postpartum nanny (yuèsao) may take charge of this period. It’s worth having a frank conversation early about expectations on all sides.
Naming
In Chinese tradition, a baby’s name is not chosen before birth — doing so is considered bad luck. Names are selected carefully, with close attention to meaning, and are sometimes chosen by a grandparent or with input from the extended family. Don’t be surprised if there’s a process involved.
The 30-Day Celebration
At the end of the first month, families typically hold a gathering to formally introduce the baby. For many relatives, this will be their first time meeting the child. Gifts of eggs, chicken, and red envelopes (hóngbāo) are traditional, usually given in even numbers.
The 100-Day Celebration
A second celebration is often held 100 days after birth. Fish and chicken are customary, and this is traditionally considered the point at which the baby begins to venture out into the world.
Extra Attention as a Foreigner
If you have a visibly foreign child, prepare for attention — especially outside major cities. Strangers may crowd around, offer unsolicited parenting advice, or want to touch your baby. “Your child isn’t dressed warmly enough” is a near-universal refrain regardless of how many layers are involved. It’s rarely a criticism — it’s a form of engagement and affection.
How you handle it is up to you. Some families take it in stride; others set firm boundaries. Both are valid. In cities with large expat communities, this tends to be less intense. In smaller cities and rural areas, a foreign baby may genuinely be a novelty, and the attention can be overwhelming. Trust your instincts and do what works for your family.