"Is This My Child?" Chinese Woman Shocked by Baby's Skin Color After Birth

Husband Requests Paternity Test Immediately After Childbirth
Dark or Red Skin Common Among Newborns

A recent story has emerged about a Chinese woman who gave birth to a baby that looked Black, leading to a paternity test. On the 4th (local time), Chinese media outlet China Times reported the story of a 30-year-old woman from Shanghai who gave birth to a son via cesarean section. The woman was shocked by her husband's expression immediately after the birth. Instead of welcoming or showing happiness toward the son, the husband did not even want to hold him.

[Photo by China Times]

After seeing the baby, the woman was also startled by the skin color. The baby's skin was so dark that it resembled that of a 'Black' person. The woman said, "I have never been to Africa, nor do I know anyone who is Black," but her husband demanded a paternity test. The woman posted online seeking advice, saying, "I feel so wronged. I don't know what on earth happened," and "It feels like I am going to get divorced as soon as the child is born."

Local netizens who saw the photos the woman shared responded with comments such as, "This kind of case is common," and "The original skin color will return over time." Another netizen said, "No matter what, the husband's attitude of not trusting his wife is very disappointing," and "Once the paternity test results come out, it would be good to have a serious conversation with the husband." An expert who read the woman's story advised, "Newborns have thin skin tissue and poor blood circulation, so this phenomenon can naturally occur," and "It is very common for dark reddish skin to become white."

In fact, many newborns have dark or reddish skin. Newborn skin tissue is thinner and more transparent than that of adults, so it is rare to see perfectly clean and white skin. Moreover, blood circulation is less efficient than in adults, so hands and feet can sometimes appear bluish. Because of this, a baby like the one in the story can have dark skin. This skin gradually turns white over time. However, if the face, not the hands or feet, appears blue, it could be cyanosis caused by breathing difficulties, and a hospital visit is necessary.

Previously, in 2011, a Black couple living in the UK made headlines when they gave birth to a son with blonde hair and white skin, resembling a White person. At the time of birth, both the husband and medical staff were surprised and suspected the wife might have had a child with another man. However, Black people sometimes give birth to babies with lighter skin due to albinism, a congenital melanin deficiency condition. This phenomenon can also occur if there is some White ancestry in the family lineage.