Chennai couple delivers baby at home with help of WhatsApp group, had entirely skipped pre-natal checkups

Police found that the couple’s decision to forego professional medical care was significantly influenced by the WhatsApp group

A couple from Chennai is under investigation after they delivered their baby at home, following instructions from a WhatsApp group called "Home Birth Experiences." The group reportedly contains over 1,000 members and provides unverified advice and illustrations on how to conduct home births.

According to reports, Manoharan, 36, who works as an earthmover operator, and his 32-year-old wife, Sukanya, decided to use guidance from the WhatsApp group to deliver their third child at home. The couple refrained from consulting any medical professionals during Sukanya’s pregnancy, opting to skip prenatal check-ups entirely.

On 17 November, when Sukanya went into labour, the couple chose to rely on the WhatsApp group for delivery instructions instead of seeking professional medical assistance. Manoharan reportedly performed the delivery himself, using the group’s guidance.

The couple already have two daughters, aged eight and four.

Following the birth, a Public Health Officer from the local area filed a complaint at the Kundrathur police station. The complaint highlighted that Manoharan’s actions violated established medical safety protocols.

During the investigation, police found that the couple’s decision to forego professional medical care was significantly influenced by the WhatsApp group. Officials described the group as a source of unverified and potentially dangerous advice for home deliveries.

Local health officials intervened, counselling Manoharan and Sukanya about the risks associated with relying on unverified online information for childbirth. They emphasised the importance of professional medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

The Public Health Officer assured that both the mother and the newborn would now receive appropriate medical assistance.

The incident has raised concerns about the growing influence of unregulated online platforms offering medical advice. Authorities have called for greater awareness about the dangers of misinformation, particularly regarding critical health matters such as childbirth.