Fertility clinics a hot spot for couples wanting dragon babies

PETALING JAYA: The Year of the Dragon is known to be an auspicious one to have children for many Malaysian Chinese.

Fertility specialist and gynaecologist Dr Agilan Arjunan said some patients have expressed interest in having a “dragon baby” this year.

He said this led to an increase in IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) procedures at his clinic.

“Fertility check-ups have also increased, and there may be more patients seeing us till April, as they will be the last group to conceive within the Year of the Dragon,” he said.

He said most of the clients interested in dragon babies were Chinese, but some were Indians.

He added that some fertility centres took this opportunity by offering promotions.

Alpha International Women’s Specialist chief embryologist and IVR Laboratory manager Adelle Lim said some clients who froze their embryos earlier had chosen to transfer their embryos this year so that they could have a baby in the Year of the Dragon.

“Our centre has only encountered requests for dragon babies, and occasionally, a tiger baby, but not for other zodiac years,” said Lim.

She said that usually, fertility treatment is the last resort for hopeful couples who cannot conceive, and it comes with a premium price tag.

The centre has about 15% of prospective parents seeking fertility treatment specifically to conceive dragon babies.

Obstetrics and gynaecologist consultant Dr Milton Lum said in previous dragon years, such as 2012, there was an increase in the number of babies.

However, for this year, he has yet to see an increase.

“Those who are concerned with having a dragon baby are Chinese; not so much among other races, and the Chinese only make up a fifth of Malaysia’s population.

“Economic considerations may have prevented some Chinese families from giving birth at this time, as many are concerned about their financial situation,” he said.