How many people do you know who were born at the end of August or in early September? Probably quite a few — and there’s a reason for that. They’re Christmas conception. It turns out that it’s an actual scientific phenomenon that most babies are conceived around Christmas as compared to any other time of the year, and it’s not just because of all the Christmas parties that are going on.
Yes, the increase in sex definitely has a role to play in the number of pregnancies that occur over the festive season, but a recent study published in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology journal revealed that there’s also a biological reason you’re more likely to conceive in winter.
Apparently, the quality of sperm men produce in the winter is better compared to the summer months, as is a woman’s ovum receptivity thanks to the changes in daylight length. Together, these increase the chances of the sperm fertilising an egg, triggering pregnancy. The report reads:
“This finding suggests that biologic processes or common behaviours may account for the seasonal variation. Biologic hypotheses include deterioration of sperm quality during summer, seasonal differences in anterior pituitary-ovarian function caused by changes in the daylight length, and variation in quality of the ovum or endometrial receptivity. Increased sexual activity associated with end-of-year holiday festivities has also been postulated as a possible behavioural explanation for the December peak in conceptions. The exact reasons remain unknown.”
Plus, with all the Christmas booze thrown into the mix, the chances of accidental unprotected sexual encounters is higher, making way for more possible conceptions. However, the authors conclude that “although statistically significant, seasonal differences in conception of births and initiation of prenatal care were modest,” in turn concluding:
“These findings suggest that rather than intensifying efforts during specific periods of the year, preventive and reproductive health services for teenagers and adults should be equally available throughout the year.”
From: ELLE UK
