1

"I already have food allergies (yeast, wheat, lactose) so realise I may have to hunt down Western venues for my dining e.g. steaks and salads."

This will present a major challenge. Very difficult to make such eating requirements clear to restaurant staff in China, whether it's a Western venue or not.

If you can remain in Beijing 5 weeks, it would be best if you could make arrangements for a place to stay where you can cook most of your own meals.

2

What is your budget? I know of service apartments for about 300RMB night that are modern studios king beds, nice pillow top mattress and all heat/ac/water and wifi/tv included, with nice fully stocked kitchens. They are located close to some good western style cafes and also main train line 1.

But the other issue will be having access to the foods/brands you like, and also food safety is a major issue in China.

3

Many Chinese sauces have wheat, and many restaurants use prepared sauces and other ingredients these days: the kitchen staff really have no idea what's in the cans and bottles.

4

the kitchen staff really have no idea what's in the cans and bottles.

You can say that again...

5

with your allergies it will be hard in china.
staff often dont know whats in the food. if you really wont to eat "safe" , i think your only adress will be mcdonalds. they can AND have to say you whats inside...

and in "normal" restaurants the kitchen staff eventually uses gutter oil, read this --> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gutter_oil

6

Where, pray, it Ghangzou?

Do you mean Guangzhou?

If you do, then you'll have little problem finding Western food as it's one of the biggest cities in China. But, if you don't, I, for one, have never heard of the place which would suggest that it is fairly small and unlikely to have much in the way of Western food options (Or English-speaking obstetrician for that matter).

7

If you can't get it done before you leave, have a list of your allergies translated (at your hotel, etc.) and keep it on you -- not to only use in restaurants, as the prev. posters said, since often staff won't be able to guarantee what is or isn't used, but for a hospital, incase you have a reaction and have to explain what you may have eaten.

It's also good to keep a copy of your obs records to date, including your blood type, and a list of any complications or scans, with you (in your room etc.) and an emergency contact sheet on you. See babycenter here for an example emergency contact sheet for traveling when you're pregnant. Also get this translated, if you can.

If you are taking any medications, bring enough with you to ensure you don't have to take one that you don't know, including anything for common pregnancy ailments - tylenol is safe, for example, ibuprofin is not when pregnant, so you want to make sure that you have what you need without worrying about translations or brands.

You'll be able to find grocery stores so maybe you could consider cooking for yourself as your main option while there? Lots have western sections.

Lastly, take a good prenatal vitamin with you -- enough to ensure you won't run out while there -- to make sure you're at least getting the basic nutrition for your bump

8

Climb_r, your answer is informative and so helpful - I really appreciate it. Good advice. Thanks to everyone else for your input. As for allergies, I'm well travelled, pretty used to dealing with this in foreign countries. My partner has a translator so will take your advice above and have everything translated etc.

9

Beijing Hemujia(harmonious family) hospital - especially for westerners