A baby conceived at Christmas is a merry baby indeed
Mummy knew what she was doing when she kissed Santa Clause underneath the mistletoe.
According to new research, getting it on over the festive period results in healthier babies than those conceived in other months.
Researchers at Indiana University analysed over 270,000 pregnancies between 2004 and 2009.
They found that there are an extra three surviving babies for every 200 pregnancies started in December, whereas June is a ‘toxic’ month with more premature babies.
Paul Winchester of Indiana University, said at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine conference: ‘We have seen significant seasonal differences in reproduction.’
Valentine’s Day is one of the least likely times to conceive
He added: ‘Valentine’s Day is one of the least likely times to conceive a baby, whereas Christmas seems a very positive time.
‘June is a toxic month. The June effect was something that we saw develop at a very early stage. White mothers have lowest survival rates in June and significantly shorter pregnancies, with premature babies.
June is a ‘toxic’ month to conceive
‘It has been my suspicion that this is not accidental but may have some biological basis. Vitamin D levels and pesticides might be relevant factors.’
Vitamin D appears to be key for healthy babies; recent research from Cambridge University showed that babies born in summer are taller on average, most likely due to Vitamin D absorption in the second and third trimester.
To sum that all up: if you want to have a baby, Christmas ’tis the season to get your jollies off.
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