Hong Kong actress Gigi Leung gave birth to a baby girl on the final day of February after images of her large baby bump were published on the Internet after the Chinese New Year celebration.
The Caesarean section operation was the closing chapter of a challenging pregnancy period for the celebrity, who was rarely seen outside her Hong Kong home for the preceding eight months.
Celebrity friend Vivian Hsu acknowledged the difficulty of the experience that Leung had undergone, posting on Weibo: "It has been a hard time for you, Gigi!"
Leung's entrance into motherhood occurred during her 38th year and the little angel's arrival followed a quiet CNY, which involved staying at home while she received visits from friends and family.
Celebrity friend, Malaysian singer-actress Angelica Lee was one of the guests during the new year period, and also shared her congratulations on Chinese social media:
"I am really touched to witness Gigi's brave pregnancy process to the delivery of her baby girl. Welcome (our) little angel, your godmothers will do our best to give you the warmest love and protection."
Leung was first admitted into a Hong Kong hospital on Feb. 27, the night immediately prior to the birth, after she was previously told to expect the new child in early March. The labor pains on the morning of the 28th made it clear to all involved that Leung's little angel was ready for a February delivery.
Those present at the procedure reported that Leung's husband, Sergio, was present alongside his wife for the duration of the entire birthing process, looking after the Leung's every need. The accounts also conveyed that the couple cried joyously when they were able to see their new daughter for the first time since the announcement of the pregnancy.
Leung concluded her Weibo announcement with gratitude-filled sentiment: "All the pain I have endured is worthwhile."