Delivering’ the perfect date for childbirth

We try to oblige them to a point...
Nowadays it is very common to go in for planned caesarean surgery, since families want deliveries at auspicious timing only. We try to oblige with them, but not all the time. If there is an emergency, I don't listen to the family and I do what is right for the pregnant woman and her child. In this situation, I only follow the standard medical practice.

It also creates problems for the doctor when the auspicious timing is in the middle of the night. Moreover sometimes patients occupy beds for a longer time than usual, which can get problematic for other people, if the hospital is not so big enough. But these are mere superstitions as there is no scientific basis to the fears. Even at the time of eclipse, there are many pregnant women who delivered babies, but nothing happened. All went right.
—Kiran Coelho, gynaecologist 

Doctors must apprise about the risk factors  
It takes at least 36 weeks for the baby’s lungs to develop fully. Hence if any suitable time after that is convenient to the patient, then there is no harm in having a caesarean delivery. Even if it is not about auspicious time, doctors advice patients to go in for caesarean procedure. This is because delivering a baby naturally is painful for the mother and two or three caesarean deliveries are not harmful for a mother’s health.

The doctor can be blamed to an extent since he knows the complexities of the matter and it is his duty to inform the family. Even if the family insists, inspite of the risk involved the doctor can refuse. Without doubt the final decision should be left to the doctor.   
—Dr Ritesh Yadav

Health of mother and child is paramount
People are getting superstitious and consulting pundits these days. Many young mothers have preconceived notions about the birth process and decide about opting for a caesarean delivery. Basic education about the delivery process is vital. The gynaecologist has to allay the fear and misconceptions of the patient and make them understand the importance of a normal delivery. People are earning well, so medical procedures and the expenditure don't matter, but the health of the mother and the child is most important. 
—Manisha Mehta,  administration manager

Don’t let faith triumph over science
It’s absurd that we let sentiments rule over practical and scientific belief. Obviously the doctor knows what is best for the patient and they should have the final say. In case if anything goes wrong, the doctor will be blamed by the family, so it's best to listen to what an experienced doctor has to say, rather than what some astrologer predicts. The rise in pre-planned caesarean deliveries is not a very good sign. We need to have a more level-headed approach and avoid the madness of auspicious timing.    
—Anil Gupta, photography expert

Medical decisions best left to doctors
Yes, these days young women and even qualified professionals prefer opting for a muhurat delivery. I fail to understand how educated women and their families want to rely on an auspicious timing for the birth of their offspring. This is a natural process and we should avoid checking auspicious time for it. Not delivering a child during solar eclipse is different, it happens once in while. There are many reasons and misconceptions for a woman to opt for a caesarean delivery over a normal one.      
—Chandrika Sanghvi, housewife