That fear is based on a traditional Chinese belief that children born in the year of a strong animal sign, such as the horse, tiger or dragon, will prosper, while those born under the sign of a weak animal like the sheep are destined to be unlucky.

"Even in a modern city like Shanghai, people still follow traditional thinking about children's birth year according to the Chinese calendar," said Dr. Duan Tao, vice director of Shanghai No. 1 Maternity and Children's Health Hospital.

Duan said the city averages about 80,000 births a year, but that number rose by nearly 5,000 births during the Year of the Dragon (February 2000-February 2001), which is considered an extremely prosperous and lucky year to be born.

"At present, about 10 percent of the expectant mothers we've received have expressed their wish to deliver the baby before the Spring Festival," said Duan, noting that some expectant mothers have asked for a caesarean section if it looks like their child will be born after the Chinese New Year.

He expects to see a higher-than-normal number of births during the two to three weeks preceding the Spring Festival, followed by fewer births next year.

"We predict that 2,000 to 3,000 fewer children will be born in the Year of the Sheep," he said.

If a woman asks to have her labor induced early, he said doctors will consider the condition of both the mother and the baby before going ahead with any medical procedures.

"If it doesn't influence their health, we will agree to perform surgery to deliver the baby several days earlier," Duan said. "If the fetus hasn't been fully developed or the surgery may impact the health of the mother or influence the baby's physical and mental growth, we will definitely refuse the request."

Zhu Haihong, 32, isn't pregnant and said she will delay plans to have a baby until next year -- the Year of the Monkey by the Chinese calendar.

"Children, especially girls, born in the Year of the Sheep will be unlucky throughout their entire life, while boys will face more difficulties succeeding in their careers," said Zhu.

While sociologists scoff at the traditional thinking, they do admit that it influences many people.

"People are connecting the characteristics of the animals with the people born in the year. The years of the dragon and tiger are welcome as they stand for power and fortune, while the sheep is feeble and vulnerable," said Zhang Youde, a sociology professor at Shanghai University.

"People shouldn't be so superstitious about birth years. The Year of the Sheep doesn't bring misfortune, just as the Year of the Dragon doesn't promise a splendid life," Zhang said.

(eastday.com December 10, 2002)