In an astonishing turn of events, a couple in Chennai is under investigation after choosing a home birth without professional medical help, instead following advice from a WhatsApp group. This choice has raised significant concerns among health officials, and the police are now involved.
WhatsApp group guides home birth
A 36-year-old man named Manoharan, who works as an earthmover, and his 32-year-old wife Sukanya live in Nandambakkam near Kundrathur. According to reports, it was Sukanya’s third pregnancy, and the couple decided to deliver their baby at home. Manoharan followed instructions from a WhatsApp group called “Home Birth Experiences,” which has over 1,000 members. The group is known to share tips and guides on natural childbirth, including visuals and videos.
The couple made the choice not to take advice from medical professionals during the pregnancy or even delivery. When Sukanya went into labour on November 17, they decided to stay at home, with Manoharan helping her through the whole birth process.
Health authorities warn of danger
After the baby was born, the couple shared photos on social media, which immediately caught the attention of local health authorities. As per sources, the Public Health Officer filed a police complaint, stressing that their decision to avoid medical supervision put both the mother and child at a significantly severe risk.
Health officials were especially concerned about Manoharan completely depending on online resources that have not been verified, or run by medical professionals. Investigations uncovered his involvement in the WhatsApp group, and experts warned about the dangers of a home birth without professional medical care.
Serious health risks
According to medical experts, giving birth without professional help is extremely dangerous. Without trained professionals, there’s a severe risk of many complications like infections, birth injuries, or even death of the newborn or even the mother. The couple’s decision not to take pregnancy check-ups and maternity care added to these dangers.
Health professionals emphasize that childbirth should always be supervised by trained doctors or at least nurses. Unexpected complications can arise quickly, at any point of pregnancy, making it highly important to have medical support during both pregnancy and delivery.
Legal and safety concerns
Local health authorities are now making sure that both the mother and baby receive proper medical care to prioritize and ensure their well-being. As per sources, there are also discussions about possible legal actions to prevent similar situations in the future.
In response to this incident, health officials are also planning to launch proper awareness campaigns to educate the public about the major dangers of depending and trusting on unverified medical advice on social media and other online platforms, such as this group. They emphasize that seeking professional guidance is not a non-negotiable during pregnancy and childbirth.
This astonishing case also highlights the growing trend of people relying completely and blindly upon online groups for medical advice and other potentially harmful causes, often without giving it a proper thought and understanding the risks. Authorities are now considering how to handle and keep track of these potentially harmful online spaces to protect public health in a better way.