Babies conceived during the winter months are more likely to be born prematurely than babies conceived in the summer, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. Premature birth is among the leading causes of
cerebral palsy.
The study looked at data from more than 75,000 births at an Oakland hospital.
Study Findings
Women who get pregnant in the spring are 25 percent more likely to give birth prematurely than women who get pregnant in the summer, found the study.
“It’s very interesting,” said Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics professor Dr. Marilee Allen. “I think the next step is to really look at the specific things that may be seasonal in exposure – is it related to infections, is it related to allergies, is it related to sunlight?”
Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It accounts for about a third of all annual infant deaths.
Women who got pregnant during the spring had a 9.2 percent chance of giving birth prematurely. Women who got pregnant during the summer had an 8.4 percent chance of giving birth early, while those who got pregnant in the fall had an 8.8 percent chance, and those who got pregnant in the winter had a 9.1 percent chance.
“I don’t think we’d say right now that clinical care (should) be different or that people should avoid getting pregnant at certain times of the year,” said assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Pitt’s School of Medicine, Dr. Hyagriv Simhan. “But I think these data are unique in that they really make more precise targets for research.”
Why?
The woman’s health at the time of conception plays a large role in determining the health and development of the placenta and fetus, said Simhan. Women exposed to allergens and viruses may have cellular responses that may affect them in a way that could set them up for a premature birth, he added.
If you or a loved one has cerebral palsy and you feel it may be a result of medical malpractice, please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with a
cerebral palsy attorney who can answer your questions and explain to you your legal rights and help you plan the best course of action. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
