Next year is baa-d

For many Chinese families, astrological timing is a crucial factor which underscores conception to delivery and the outcome for the rest of that new life. This cultural tradition has had a noticeable effect recently, as couples raced to get pregnant before the end of May, so they would deliver before the dreaded Year of the Sheep starts in 2015. Being born a sheep is bad luck in China — destined to always encounter problems and be a follower. Pediatric units and some doctors have reported a 30 percent increase in pregnancies. Nationwide birth data won’t be available until the end of the year, when it is predicted the other side of this phenomenon will be seen — a spike in abortions is expected.