Birth rate and its correlation with the lunar cycle and specific atmospheric conditions
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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Two studies from the USA, one from Germany, and one from Brazil showed no lunar influence on hospital admissions for labor.
“Two studies from the USA [11, 12], one from Germany [16], and one from Brazil [3] showed no lunar influence on hospital admissions for labor.”
From Lunar Cycle Influences Spontaneous Delivery in Cows (2016) · cites this paper as [11]
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Additional file 2 of Exploring the mystical relationship between the Moon, Sun, and birth rate
Londero, A. P., Bertozzi, S., Messina, G., Xholli, A., Michelerio, V., Mariuzzi, L., Prefumo, F., & Cagnacci, A. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26143772
Additional file 3 of Exploring the mystical relationship between the Moon, Sun, and birth rate
Londero, A. P., Bertozzi, S., Messina, G., Xholli, A., Michelerio, V., Mariuzzi, L., Prefumo, F., & Cagnacci, A. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26741021
Additional file 1 of Exploring the mystical relationship between the Moon, Sun, and birth rate
Londero, A. P., Bertozzi, S., Messina, G., Xholli, A., Michelerio, V., Mariuzzi, L., Prefumo, F., & Cagnacci, A. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26143674
- Authors
- Morton-Pradhan, S., Bay, R. C., & Coonrod, D. V.
- Affiliations
- Maricopa Medical Center (US)
- Valleywise Health (US)
- University of Arizona (US)
- Venue
- American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2005-06
- Volume
- 192
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1970-1973
- ISSN
- 0002-9378 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2113305086
- Cited by
- 76
- References
- 12
- Citations by year
- 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 5 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 2
- FWCI
- 2.41
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Climate Change and Health Impacts
- Keywords
- birth rate, lunar cycle, lunar phases, weather conditions, meteorological factors, normal delivery, term birth, birth timing
- MeSH terms
- Arizona, Birth Certificates, Birth Rate, Female, Humans, Pregnancy, Seasons, Moon, Databases, Factual, Delivery, Obstetric
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