Chennai: In a bizarre incident, a driver and his wife recently delivered their baby at Kundrathur home, after reportedly being guided by a WhatsApp group. According to reports, they relied solely on advice and visual guidance from a WhatsApp group with 1,024 members. They gained significant attention from online users after sharing a picture with the newborn.

The Health authorities have raised their concern over the incident, prompting police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. The married couple has been identified as a 36-year-old earthmover driver from Tiruvannamalai who lived in a rented house at Nandambakkam with his 32-year-old wife and two daughters, aged 8 and 4 years.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was an active member of the WhatsApp group, named ‘Home Birth Experience’. The group allegedly shared advice and illustrations on how to conduct deliveries at home.

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After Sukanya became pregnant for the third time, she decided to skip medical check-ups throughout her pregnancy. She unexpectedly went into labour at home on November 17, reports added. However, Instead of rushing his wife to the hospital, her husband decided to handle the delivery himself. He followed the guidance from the said WhatsApp group, which regularly shared home-delivery tips, police said. During the investigation, it was found that the man had a membership in the WhatsApp group.

After the newborn’s birth, the area’s Public Health Officer filed a complaint at the police station, asserting that the man violated the prescribed medical safety regulations. In response to the complaint, the police booked the man for interrogation. The group’s content played a key role in influencing the couple’s decision to proceed with the home delivery, police said.

Health officials explained to him the potential risks associated with home births, especially when relying on unverified online information rather than professional medical guidance. They also assured him that necessary medical assistance would be provided to both the mother and the child. Meanwhile, the Kundrathur police officers along with the health department officials are now discussing legal action to curb such activities.

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