How many people do you know who were born end of August/early September time? Probably quite a few – and there’s a reason for that. They’re Christmas conceptions.
It turns out it’s an actual scientific phenomenon that more babies are conceived at Christmas than any other time of the year, and it’s not just because of all the Christmas parties, or the cold weather keeping us indoors with not much else to do.
Sure, 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 there’s also a biological reason you’re more likely to conceive in winter.
Apparently, the quality of sperm men produce in winter time 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.
That, along with the fact people are generally have more sex over the holiday season, ‘has also been postulated as a possible behavioural explanation for the December peak in conceptions,’ the study’s notes said.
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.
So if you’re not hoping to spend next Christmas playing Santa for a newborn, do your best to wrap up. If you’re open to the idea of producing sprogs of your own, have fun trying over the next few weeks. We’ll have our fingers crossed for you.
