"To Look Pretty for the Baby"... Chinese Mother Wearing Makeup During Childbirth

The local medical community says "Risk of bacterial infection... Not recommended"

A video of a Chinese pregnant woman steadfastly applying makeup while enduring labor pains during childbirth has gone viral. The mother said she decorated her face to meet her soon-to-be-born baby in the most beautiful way.

On the 28th (local time), Chinese internet media 'Sohu.com' and others reported a recent incident at a local obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The event occurred on the 25th at an obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, where a woman named A, about to give birth, suddenly took out cosmetics and applied makeup while experiencing labor pains.

A mother who took out cosmetics and applied makeup during childbirth. Screenshot from a Chinese online website.

As childbirth approached, A grimaced in severe pain, but still did not let go of the mirror and foundation in her hands and continued applying makeup. In an interview with local media, A explained, "I started putting on makeup when the contractions became regular," adding, "I wanted to welcome the birth of my baby with a pretty and neat appearance." She also added, "I maintained the habit of wearing makeup throughout my pregnancy," and "When my face looked pretty with makeup, I had a more positive attitude."

Local netizens who heard A's story responded with comments such as "What incredible determination," "I wonder if the baby will remember the first meeting with the mother," and "Maybe she put on makeup so her husband wouldn't fail to recognize her." However, some netizens suggested there might be valid reasons for A's actions, saying, "Focusing on makeup might help momentarily forget the labor pains," and "It could be a way to relieve psychological burdens like fear or pain during childbirth."

Meanwhile, local medical professionals who viewed the video advised against applying makeup during childbirth whenever possible. One medical professional told the media, "It is not good for the hygiene of the mother and baby and carries a risk of bacterial infection," adding, "It is better not to wear makeup during childbirth."