Expectant parents seek 'Mahurat' deliveries on Ram Temple consecration day
As the highly anticipated Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya takes place today, many expectant parents across India are eager to have their babies born on this auspicious day. The trend of "Mahurat" deliveries and scheduled C-sections has on the rise, with parents believing their child will be blessed with good fortune if born on such specials days. Hospitals and maternity centers are preparing to welcome these babies, whether their arrival was carefully planned or a delightful surprise.
Doctors received numerous requests for January 22 deliveries
Dr. Ila Jha, Senior Consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, told Wion about receiving numerous requests from expectant parents for deliveries scheduled for January 22 which is not medically feasible. Dr. Gaana Sreenivas, an obstetrician with a leading private hospital in Bengaluru, told TOI that nine of her patients requested their deliveries to be scheduled on this auspicious day. However, doctors stress the importance of balancing sentimental requests with medical safety.
Practice not as common in government hospitals
Dr. Kajal Baleja, an obstetrician and gynecologist at PDU Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot shared with NewsBytes, "We can't deliver the babies according to the patient's request in government hospitals be it in mahurat or not, however, it is a common practice in private hospitals."
Medical professionals prioritize safety over requests
Dr. Jha explained that while she respects sentimental requests as a doctor, "If the timing is suitable, the baby is mature, and the mother is well, we do induce labor or perform C-sections to honor requests." However, she added that sometimes the demands are unreasonable and have to be turned down. Dr. Sreenivas also mentioned that they do not opt for premature deliveries and only perform C-sections when the mother completes 37 weeks of pregnancy and the baby has matured.
Expert advises against planned C-sections for auspicious dates
"Choosing a specific birth time for non-medical reasons can be tempting, but prioritizing your and your baby's health is crucial. Natural births offer developmental benefits, especially for the baby's lungs. If we schedule a delivery too early, it could lead to complications like respiratory issues," Dr. Astha Agarwal, obstetrician-gynecologist, shares with NewsBytes. "I recommend allowing labor to begin naturally unless there's a medical necessity due to conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes," she advises.
Risks involved in elective C-sections
Dr. Pushpa Dahiya, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PGIMS, Rohtak, highlighted the risks involved in elective C-sections. She explained that babies delivered vaginally undergo a natural immunization process, and their respiratory system adapts in synchrony with the labor process. In most cases of vaginal delivery, the likelihood of respiratory illnesses is considerably lower compared to C-section deliveries. Dr. Dahiya also emphasized that multiple C-sections increase the chances of surgical complications later in life.
Festive surge in delivery requests
Hospitals witness an annual surge in delivery requests during festive occasions, reflecting the broader cultural trend in India. Festivals like Christmas Day, New Year's Day, the first day of Navratri, Krishna Janmashtami, and now, the day of the Ram Temple consecration, witness an influx of expectant parents eager to welcome their bundle of joy on these special days.
