Twitter
Advertisement

Chinese moms-to-be opt for ‘Olympic caesareans’

Expectant women in Chinese cities are signing up for ‘caesarian’ deliveries timed for August 8 in the latest bizarre manifestation of the Olympics frenzy across China.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The inaugural date 08/08/08 is considered auspicious in the Chinese belief system: It is supposed to have a long-life influence for the child

HONG KONG: Expectant women in Chinese cities are signing up for ‘caesarian’ deliveries timed for August 8, the inaugural day of the Beijing Olympics, in the latest bizarre manifestation of the Olympics frenzy across China.

In Shijiazhuang in Hebei province in northern China, a 26-year-old woman surnamed Yu, whose baby is due on August 14, has asked doctors at her local hospital for a c-section procedure on August 8, since she wants her child to be born that day. It’s not just about the Olympics; it’s also because the date (the eighth day of the eight month of the eighth year) is considered propitious in the Chinese belief system. “An auspicious date of birth will have a life-long influence,” Yu says. “In addition, the Olympics inauguration has huge commemoration significance. We hope we can bring good luck to the baby.”

Other hospitals in Shijiazhuang had received similar requests from 78 pregnant women. Dr Wang at a local hospital said that in most cases, women were in good health, and a c-section was not even required.

In Guangzhou, the booming industrial city in southern China, Dr Hou Hongying at the hospital affiliated to the Sun Yat-sen University, told the Information Times that a woman who was only in her 36th week of pregnancy had asked for a c-section delivery for August 8. Hou, however, said doctors would schedule caesareans only if the procedures were warranted.

Doctors are also concerned the rush of births will put pressure on medical services. Wang said moms-to-be should consider factors like availability of beds, rooms and staff.

China is also experiencing a baby boom timed around the Olympics: There has been a surge in births in recent days, as babies that were conceived in anticipation of their being born on August 8 have been born.
venky@dnaindia.net

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement