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Londero AP, Bertozzi S, Messina G, Xholli A, Michelerio V, Mariuzzi L, Prefumo F, Cagnacci A. Exploring the mystical relationship between the Moon, Sun, and birth rate. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:454. [PMID: 38951765 PMCID: PMC11218357 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06654-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Moon has a noticeable influence on the Earth due to its gravity, the most visible manifestation of which are tides. We aimed to see if the Moon's daily cycle, like the Sun's, affects the prevalence and incidence of childbirth. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we examined all deliveries at the Academic Hospital of Udine between 2001 and 2019. All consecutive singleton pregnancies with spontaneous labor and vaginal delivery were included. RESULTS During the period, 13,349 singleton pregnancies with spontaneous labor and vaginal delivery were delivered in 6939 days. A significantly higher prevalence of deliveries was found with the Moon above the horizon (50.63% vs. 49.37%, p < 0.05). Moreover, during the day, there was a significantly higher prevalence of deliveries than during nighttime (53.74% vs. 45.79%, p < 0.05). Combining the Moon and Sun altitude, the majority of deliveries were registered when both were above the horizon (27.39% vs. 26.13%, 23.25%, or 23.24%, p < 0.05). These findings were confirmed in multivariate analysis after adjusting for parity, gestational age, or season. We found no correlation between birth and the Moon phase. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the interaction of the Moon and the Sun in determining the time of birth. More research is needed to understand these phenomena and improve our understanding of labor initiation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambrogio P Londero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Genova, GE, 16132, Italy.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, Genova, GE, 16147, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, Genova, GE, 16132, Italy.
| | - Serena Bertozzi
- Breast Unit, Academic Hospital of Udine, Udine, UD, 33100, Italy
| | | | - Anjeza Xholli
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Virginia Michelerio
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Genova, GE, 16132, Italy
| | - Laura Mariuzzi
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy, DAME, Academic Hospital of Udine, Udine, UD, 33100, Italy
| | - Federico Prefumo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, Genova, GE, 16147, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Genova, GE, 16132, Italy
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Genoa, 16132, Italy
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Singh A, Joseph T, Karuppusami R, Kunjummen AT, Kamath MS, Mangalaraj AM. Seasonal Influence on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis of 1409 Cycles. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:293-299. [PMID: 34759620 PMCID: PMC8527073 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_39_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is well known that seasonal variations influence natural conception and birth rates variably in different populations. It has been hypothesised that similar seasonal influences may affect treatment outcomes following assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, most studies report conflicting results. Aim: The aim of the study is to elucidate whether seasonality had any impact on the treatment success of the ART program. Study Setting and Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a university-level tertiary care hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: All couples who underwent ART between January 2012 and December 2016 were included in the study. We divided the study population into three groups based on the seasonal differences experienced in our region. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Statistical Analysis: Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes and results reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in LBR in monsoon season (174/651, 26.7% vs. 83/319, 26.0%; OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.77,1.41; P = 0.81) as compared to summer. However, LBR was significantly higher in winter season (114/341, 33.4% vs. 83/319, 26.0%; OR 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.00; P = 0.04). Further, multivariate analysis following adjustment for various confounding factors revealed no significant statistical difference in LBR in monsoon (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.92; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.26; P = 0.59) or winter (aOR 1.32; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.88; P = 0.13) as compared to summer season. Conclusion: The current study found no significant effect of seasonal variation on LBR following ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Singh
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Treasa Joseph
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reka Karuppusami
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Morales-Luengo F, Salamanca-Zarzuela B, Urueña SM, García CE, Carboner SC. External influences on birth deliveries: Lunar gravitational and meteorological effects. An Pediatr (Barc) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Morales-Luengo F, Salamanca-Zarzuela B, Marín Urueña S, Escribano García C, Caserío Carbonero S. [External influences on birth deliveries: Lunar gravitational and meteorological effects]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2020; 93:367-373. [PMID: 32278668 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of external factors such as lunar and meteorological effects on the frequency of birth deliveries. It includes the lunar gravitational force using the scarcely investigated lunar apogee and perigee (furthest and closest distance to earth, respectively). MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all spontaneous single deliveries during a 4 year period (2015-2018). A statistical analysis was performed on the relationship of the deliveries using birth rates with qualitative lunar variables (four classic phases, lunar apogee- perigee, and super moons) and quantitative atmospheric variables (mean atmospheric pressures, mean temperature, and mean wind velocity). RESULTS No relationship was found between the variables studied and the birth rate. There were periods with more births in the months of May and June. CONCLUSION Despite the myth on the meteorological, and in particular, the lunar influence on birth deliveries, no statistical association was found to support this. Furthermore, the classic moon phases and the lunar gravitational force do not seem to trigger birth delivery either.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Marín Urueña
- Unidad de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Valladolid, España
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Abstract
The seasonality of human births varies in different countries and regions. Explanations for this variation have been divided into biological and behavioural factors. This paper documents birth seasonality in mainland China using data for a large sample from China's Fifth National Population Census (FNPC) conducted in 2000. The main method used was the decomposition of monthly time series birth data into annual, seasonal and random trends. The results show large seasonal birth fluctuations, with a salient peak of October births. The study hypothesis is that this seasonal birth pattern is partially due to a home-bound wave of movement of people after the annual Spring Festival. Subsequent analysis of the calculated de-trended monthly births provided supportive evidence for this hypothesis. Further in-depth analysis showed that the magnitude of births varied with location and family characteristics. This result should inform researchers in the field of economics, where seasonality of births has been previously regarded as exogenous.
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Borisenkov MF, Kozlovskaya AV, Bojko ER. Geomagnetic activity and human reproduction in the Far North. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1513631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. F. Borisenkov
- Institute of Physiology of Коmi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - A. V. Kozlovskaya
- Medical Institute of the Pitirim Sorokoin Syktyvkar State University, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - E. R. Bojko
- Institute of Physiology of Коmi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
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Peterka M, Likovsky Z, Panczak A, Peterkova R. Long-term significant seasonal differences in the numbers of new-borns with an orofacial cleft in the Czech Republic - a retrospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:348. [PMID: 30153794 PMCID: PMC6114744 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing the optimal season for conception is a part of family planning since it can positively influence the pregnancy outcome. Changes in the monthly number of infants born with a birth defect can signal prenatal damage - death or malformation - related to a harmful seasonal factor. The aim of our paper was to search for possible seasonal differences in the numbers of new-borns with an orofacial cleft and thus for a period of conception that can increase the risk of orofacial cleft development. METHODS Mean monthly numbers of live births in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic during the years 1964-2000 were compared within a group of 5619 new-borns with various types of orofacial clefts and the control group derived from natality data on 3,080,891 new-borns. RESULTS The control group exhibited regular seasonal variation in the monthly numbers of new-borns: significantly more babies born during March-May and fewer babies born during October-December. Similar natural seasonal variation was also found in the group of babies with an orofacial cleft. However, after subdividing the cleft group according to gender and cleft type, in comparison to controls, significant differences appeared in the number of new-born girls with cleft lip during January-March and in the number of boys born with cleft palate in April - May. CONCLUSIONS We found significant differences from controls in the number of new-born girls with CL and boys with CP, whose dates of birth correspond to conception from April to August and to the estimated prenatal critical period for cleft formation from May to October. The latter period includes the warm season, when various injurious physical, chemical and biological factors may act on a pregnant woman. This finding should be considered in pregnancy planning. Future studies are necessary to investigate the putative injurious factors during the warm season that can influence pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Peterka
- Department of Teratology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic. .,Cleft Centre, Plastic Surgery Clinic at Kralovske Vinohrady Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Zbynek Likovsky
- Department of Teratology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Panczak
- Cleft Centre, Plastic Surgery Clinic at Kralovske Vinohrady Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Peterkova
- Department of Teratology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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The seasonality of abortion in Kentucky. Contraception 2016; 95:181-185. [PMID: 27593333 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Abortion incidence is correlated with seasonal trends in conceptions and births. This retrospective review looks at monthly abortion incidence to detect a seasonal trend. STUDY DESIGN Data on abortion incidence in 2012 were obtained from the Kentucky Department of Vital Statistics. A regression analysis was performed to detect differences in abortion annualized rates by month. RESULTS A total of 3810 abortions analyzed showed a trend in abortion incidence peaking in February and March with 444 and 378 abortions per month, respectively, compared to a mean of 299 in other months (p<.001). This trend persisted for second-trimester abortions with 64 and 56 abortions per month in February and March, respectively, compared to a mean of 30 in other months (p<.001). CONCLUSION The peak in first-trimester abortions correlate with the expected peaks of December conceptions. However, the same trend in second-trimester abortions suggests that women are delaying care.
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Benmarhnia T, Auger N, Stanislas V, Lo E, Kaufman JS. The Relationship Between Apparent Temperature and Daily Number of Live Births in Montreal. Matern Child Health J 2016; 19:2548-51. [PMID: 26156826 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-015-1794-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Temperature is a hypothesized determinant of early delivery, but seasonal and long term trends, delayed effects of temperature, and the influence of extreme cold temperatures have not yet been addressed. We aim to study the influence of apparent temperature on daily number of births, considering lag structures, seasonality and long term trends. METHODS We used daily number of births in conjunction with apparent outdoor temperatures between 1981 and 2010 in Montreal. We used Poisson regression combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model to consider non-linear relationships between temperature and daily number of births across specific lag periods. RESULTS We found that apparent temperature was associated with the daily number of births in Montreal, with a 1-day delay. We found an increase in births on hot days, and decrease on cold days, both offset by a harvesting effect after 4 and 5 days. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE This study suggests that the number of births is affected by extreme temperatures. Obstetric and perinatal service providers should be prepared for spikes in the number of births caused by extreme temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Benmarhnia
- Institute for Health and Social Policy, McGill University, Meredith, Charles, House, 1130 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Auger
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Ernest Lo
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jay S Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Menon R, Bonney EA, Condon J, Mesiano S, Taylor RN. Novel concepts on pregnancy clocks and alarms: redundancy and synergy in human parturition. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:535-60. [PMID: 27363410 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The signals and mechanisms that synchronize the timing of human parturition remain a mystery and a better understanding of these processes is essential to avert adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although our insights into human labor initiation have been informed by studies in animal models, the timing of parturition relative to fetal maturation varies among viviparous species, indicative of phylogenetically different clocks and alarms; but what is clear is that important common pathways must converge to control the birth process. For example, in all species, parturition involves the transition of the myometrium from a relaxed to a highly excitable state, where the muscle rhythmically and forcefully contracts, softening the cervical extracellular matrix to allow distensibility and dilatation and thus a shearing of the fetal membranes to facilitate their rupture. We review a number of theories promulgated to explain how a variety of different timing mechanisms, including fetal membrane cell senescence, circadian endocrine clocks, and inflammatory and mechanical factors, are coordinated as initiators and effectors of parturition. Many of these factors have been independently described with a focus on specific tissue compartments.In this review, we put forth the core hypothesis that fetal membrane (amnion and chorion) senescence is the initiator of a coordinated, redundant signal cascade leading to parturition. Whether modified by oxidative stress or other factors, this process constitutes a counting device, i.e. a clock, that measures maturation of the fetal organ systems and the production of hormones and other soluble mediators (including alarmins) and that promotes inflammation and orchestrates an immune cascade to propagate signals across different uterine compartments. This mechanism in turn sensitizes decidual responsiveness and eventually promotes functional progesterone withdrawal in the myometrium, leading to increased myometrial cell contraction and the triggering of parturition. Linkage of these processes allows convergence and integration of the gestational clocks and alarms, prompting a timely and safe birth. In summary, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the mediators that contribute to the timing of human labor. Integrating these concepts will provide a better understanding of human parturition and ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., MRB, Room 11.138, Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bonney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 792 College Parkway, Fanny Allen Campus, Suite 101, Colchester, Burlington, VT 05446, USA
| | - Jennifer Condon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Perinatal Research Branch, NICHD, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Abstract
Humans exhibit seasonal variation in a wide variety of behavioral and physiological processes, and numerous investigators have suggested that this might be because we are sensitive to seasonal variation in day length. The evidence supporting this hypothesis is inconsistent. A new hypothesis is offered here—namely, that some humans indeed are seasonally photoresponsive, but others are not, and that individual variation may be the cause of the inconsistencies that have plagued the study of responsiveness to photoperiod in the past. This hypothesis is examined in relation to seasonal changes in the reproductive activity of humans, and it is developed by reviewing and combining five bodies of knowledge: correlations of human birthrates with photoperiod; seasonal changes in the activity of the neuroendocrine pathway that could link photoperiod to gonadal steroid secretion in humans; what is known about photoperiod, latitude, and reproduction of nonhuman primates; documentation of individual variation in photoresponsiveness in rodents and humans; and what is known about the evolutionary ecology of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Bronson
- Center for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, USA.
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12
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Probabilistic change detection and visualization methods for the assessment of temporal stability in biomedical data quality. Data Min Knowl Discov 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10618-014-0378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bauer TK, Bender S, Heining J, Schmidt CM. The lunar cycle, sunspots and the frequency of births in Germany, 1920-1989. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2013; 11:545-550. [PMID: 23261260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Based on multivariate linear regression models, we analyze the effect of the lunar cycle and the number of sunspots occurring on a particular day on the number of births using social security data and controlling for a number of other potential confounders. The daily numbers of births between 1920 and 1989 have been calculated from the full sample of individuals who have been registered at least once in the German social security system. While the lunar cycle does not affect the number of births, the number of sunspots is positively correlated to the number of births. The empirical results may be explained by medical technological progress making natural influences on births less important over time. This interpretation is supported by the results on the intertemporal influence of weekends and holidays on the frequency of daily births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Bauer
- Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI Essen), Hohenzollernstr. 1-3, 45128 Essen, Germany; Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany; IZA Bonn, Germany
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Ochiai AM, Gonçalves FLT, Ambrizzi T, Florentino LC, Wei CY, Soares AVN, De Araujo NM, Gualda DMR. Atmospheric conditions, lunar phases, and childbirth: a multivariate analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2012; 56:661-667. [PMID: 21744100 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-011-0465-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to assess extrinsic influences upon childbirth. In a cohort of 1,826 days containing 17,417 childbirths among them 13,252 spontaneous labor admissions, we studied the influence of environment upon the high incidence of labor (defined by 75th percentile or higher), analyzed by logistic regression. The predictors of high labor admission included increases in outdoor temperature (odds ratio: 1.742, P = 0.045, 95%CI: 1.011 to 3.001), and decreases in atmospheric pressure (odds ratio: 1.269, P = 0.029, 95%CI: 1.055 to 1.483). In contrast, increases in tidal range were associated with a lower probability of high admission (odds ratio: 0.762, P = 0.030, 95%CI: 0.515 to 0.999). Lunar phase was not a predictor of high labor admission (P = 0.339). Using multivariate analysis, increases in temperature and decreases in atmospheric pressure predicted high labor admission, and increases of tidal range, as a measurement of the lunar gravitational force, predicted a lower probability of high admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Megumi Ochiai
- School of Arts, Science and Humanities-Midwifery Department, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Agay-Shay K, Friger M, Linn S, Peled A, Amitai Y, Peretz C. Periodicity and time trends in the prevalence of total births and conceptions with congenital malformations among Jews and Muslims in Israel, 1999-2006: A time series study of 823,966 births. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 94:438-48. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Promberger R, Ott J, Mikola B, Freissmuth M, Hermann M. Lunar phase does not influence the incidence of postoperative haemorrhage after thyroid surgery: an analysis of 26,852 operations. Eur Surg 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10353-010-0523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Friger M, Shoham-Vardi I, Abu-Saad K. Trends and seasonality in birth frequency: a comparison of Muslim and Jewish populations in southern Israel: daily time series analysis of 200 009 births, 1988-2005. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:1492-500. [PMID: 19246466 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess effects of natural and artificial seasonality on reproduction in a large cohort of Muslim and Jewish women, living in the same geographic area. METHODS Population included all births between January 1988 and December 2005 (6613 daily records of 200 009 births) at the Soroka University Medical Center (southern Israel). A 'classical' time series technique based on generalized linear regression models was used. RESULTS A systematic increase in the number of births during Ramadan was observed in the Muslim (P < 0.001), but not in the Jewish, population. This 'Ramadan effect', adjusted for trend and seasonal factors, was statistically significant only in Muslim multiparae (P < 0.001), where the model explained more than 48% of the variance, compared with 7% in Jewish multiparae. Seasonal birth variations in Muslim primiparae were not associated with Ramadan and were similar to those in Jewish primiparae. There were no differences in length of gestation associated with Ramadan. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest an increased conception rate following the Hajj pilgrimage, which support the hypothesis that seasonality of reproductive behavior is influenced by socio-cultural factors more than by geographic and climatic factors, and can help plan preconception interventions in Muslim populations in southern Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friger
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.
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Lee SJ, Hajat S, Steer PJ, Filippi V. A time-series analysis of any short-term effects of meteorological and air pollution factors on preterm births in London, UK. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 106:185-94. [PMID: 18021762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2007.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2006] [Revised: 09/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although much is known about the incidence and burden of preterm birth, its biological mechanisms are not well understood. While several studies have suggested that high levels of air pollution or exposure to particular climatic factors may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, other studies do not support such an association. To determine whether exposure to various environmental factors place a large London-based population at higher risk for preterm birth, we analyzed 482,568 births that occurred between 1988 and 2000 from the St. Mary's Maternity Information System database. Using an ecological study design, any short-term associations between preterm birth and various environmental factors were investigated using time-series regression techniques. Environmental exposures included air pollution (ambient ozone and PM(10)) and climatic factors (temperature, rainfall, sunshine, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and largest drop in barometric pressure). In addition to exposure on the day of birth, cumulative exposure up to 1 week before birth was investigated. The risk of preterm birth did not increase with exposure to the levels of ambient air pollution or meteorological factors experienced by this population. Cumulative exposure from 0 to 6 days before birth also did not show any significant effect on the risk of preterm birth. This large study, covering 13 years, suggests that there is no association between preterm births and recent exposure to ambient air pollution or recent changes in the weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue J Lee
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
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Wunder DM, Limoni C, Birkhäuser MH. Lack of seasonal variations in fertilization, pregnancy and implantation rates in women undergoing IVF. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:3122-9. [PMID: 16006467 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have investigated seasonal variations during IVF. Their results are contradictory, especially concerning fertilization and pregnancy rates. The aim of the present study was to re-evaluate these parameters using a large number of IVF cycles. METHODS A total of 7368 IVF cycles conducted in Switzerland between 1995 and 2003 were retrospectively analysed. To avoid a bias in the evaluation of the fertilization rate, only IVF cycles without ICSI were considered for analysis. Cycles were assigned to seasons according to the date of the beginning of stimulation. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between the seasons concerning the fertilization, the pregnancy and the implantation rates. However, statistically significant variables deciding on the outcome of an IVF cycle are age, centre, aetiology of infertility and day of transfer. CONCLUSIONS There were no statistically significant seasonal differences in central Europe (Switzerland) that influenced the outcome of IVF treatment. The only statistically significant variables of IVF outcome were age, centre, aetiology of infertility and day of transfer. A change to routine fertility treatment concerning the different seasons should therefore not be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Wunder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
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Morton-Pradhan S, Bay RC, Coonrod DV. Birth rate and its correlation with the lunar cycle and specific atmospheric conditions. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005; 192:1970-3. [PMID: 15970864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to use the Arizona State birth certificate database for Phoenix metropolitan hospitals, in conjunction with National Weather Service records to determine whether there is a relationship between birth rate and meteorologic or lunar conditions. This study attempts to dispel or lend significance to beliefs among hospital staff that the phase of the moon and/or meteorologic conditions are related to birth rate. STUDY DESIGN Birth records were limited to spontaneous vaginal deliveries, 37 to 40 weeks' gestation, in Phoenix, between 1995 and 2000 (n = 167,956). Daily birth counts were merged with daily surface weather statistics from the National Weather Service for Sky Harbor Airport, and records of lunar phase for the same period. RESULTS The analyses revealed no significant correlates of birth rate. CONCLUSION Although there exists a popular belief that the phase of the lunar cycle and weather conditions affect birth rate, no such evidence was found in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Morton-Pradhan
- Department of Obsetetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Maricopa Integrated Health System/MedPro, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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