A situational study of giving birth to a third child and more in Ha Noi – findings and recommendations

Abstract

       This study was conducted in 2013 in Hanoi with the aim to explore the situation of giving birth to a third child and more, determine its causes and make recommendations for minimizing such a rate. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with the qualitative sample size of 330 cases giving birth to a third child in three communes, and the qualitative sample size of 6 in-depth interviews and 12 group discussions. The proportion of women giving birth to a third child in Hanoi was on a decreasing trend from 2009 till 2011 (accounting for over 7%). There still exists a significant difference among districts of Hanoi. In urban areas, the proportion is very low (ranging from 1 to 3%). But, in suburb areas, especially in the western districts, the proportion is high, such as in Phuc Tho (19,02%),Ung Hoa (16,69%), and Hoai Duc (16,50%). The common reasons of giving birth to a third child are the sex-balance desire to have both boys and girls (or sons and daughters), having a son to maintain family line, and having many children. Some recommendations are made from the study to lower the proportion of women giving birth to a third child, including provision of technical activities and directions.