When it comes to planning a family, not many of us mums will consider which month to conceive in – usually leaving it up to fate!
However, after analysing over 270,000 pregnancies between 2004 and 2009, researchers at Indiana University found that there are an extra three surviving babies for every 200 pregnancies starting in December - so we’ll all be getting down and dirty during the festive season!
June has been noted at the ‘toxic’ month, as more premature babies were conceived during this time.
Speaking at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine conference, Paul Winchester of Indiana University, said: ‘”We have seen significant seasonal differences in reproduction. Valentine’s Day is one of the least likely times to conceive a baby, whereas Christmas seems a very positive time.”
Explaining why June is not the best month to conceive, Mr Winchester said: “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.”
“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,” he added.
So, will you be kissing Santa under the mistletoe this Christmas?!
