Winter Births May Not Bode Well For Future

  A couple of economists at the University of Notre Dame believe there really may be something to the notion of being born unlucky.

   Kasey Buckles and Daniel Hungerman say there's a large amount of research showing persons born in the months of December, January and February have some real disadvantages.

   Some of the challenges they face on average are being less educated, less intelligent, unhealthier and lower paid than those born in other months.

   In reaching their conclusions, Buckles and Hungerman looked at U.S. Census data and birth certificates.

   The two researchers were trying to determine if there are any differences between the average woman who gives birth in winter months and those who have babies during the summer, fall and spring.

   Data shows females view winter as the least desirable time to give birth.

   Other research finds winter babies are more likely to have unmarried mothers, moms who are teens and also mothers without a high school diploma.

   According to Buckles and Hungerman, wealthier and better educated women are more able to time deliveries to desirable seasons.

   Additionally, seasonal patterns in birth can be explained by high temperatures in summer that inhibit sperm production.

   Females on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum appear to be more negatively impacted, perhaps explaining why they have fewer babies in spring and summer.

   Researchers point out there is also possibly a "prom babies" effect, or babies born nine months after end of school year activities.


   (Copyright 2009 by Newsroom Solutions)