“年龙”婴儿潮

It’s the most auspicious year in China’s traditional calendar. As couples across the country get busy trying to ensure their children are born during the Year of the Dragon, 2012 is shaping up to be another year for the baby boomers.
在中国传统日历上，今年是最吉祥的一年。由于全国各地的夫妇正忙着确保他们的孩子能在龙年出生，2012年正朝着成为另一个生育高峰年发展。

Not everything stops for Spring Festival. Mothers-to-be at this hospital are taking routine checks to ensure the health of their unborn babies.
春节期间并非一切都停止了。这间医院的准妈妈正在进行例行检查，确保她们未出生的孩子的健康。

"The Year of Dragon means good luck," the young lady says, "I am lucky to have a dragon baby."
“龙年代表好运，”这位年轻的女士这样表示，“有一个龙宝宝我很幸运。”

There’s a feeling of optimism among those due to give birth during Dragon Year. And there’s still time for other couples to catch the window of opportunity.
由于是在龙年生孩子，这些人有一种乐观的态度。对其他夫妻来说，仍然有时间赶上这扇机会之窗。

Infertility clinics have been busy.
不孕不育诊所一直都很忙。

Wang Xiaorong, doctor in Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, said, "We saw a boom in the Year of the Rabbit, but the Year of Dragon is proving busier. Many clinics that aren’t usually busy have all been full this year. The beds in our hospital are booked until August. Reservations need to be made a month earlier than before."
北京妇产医院的医生Wang Xiaorong称：“兔年我们见证了一股婴儿潮，但是事实证明，龙年更加繁忙。许多通常不忙碌的诊所今年都满了。我们医院八月份的床位已经被预订了。预订要比以前早一个月。”

The precise figures have not been released. But experts believe China will see a 5 percent jump in the number of babies born in 2012.
精确的数据还没有公布出来。但是专家认为，中国2012年出生婴儿的数量将增加5%。

For the parents-to-be, a dragon baby traditionally means success and wealth. But the reality is that competition will also be higher, due to the higher birthrate.
对准父母而言，龙宝宝传统上意味着成功和财富。但是实际上竞争也会更加激烈，因为出生率更高了。

A mother-to-be said, "I think the competition will be fierce. Getting into good kindergartens, good primary schools, but first things first - it will be hard to find a nanny this year."
一位准妈妈表示：“我觉得竞争将会很激烈。入好的幼儿园、好的小学，但是首要的是今年将很难找一个保姆。”

To have a dragon baby has long been a joyful and popular tradition in China. For the parents enjoying the euphoria, their biggest wish is for their dragon girls and boys to grow up with health and happiness.
在中国，拥有一个龙宝宝长期以来都是一项快乐的、受欢迎的传统。对那些享受这种狂喜的父母而言，他们最大的愿望是他们的龙子龙女们可以健康、快乐地成长。