More Births During a Full Moon
Is It True or Not?
You may have heard the claim that more children are born during a full moon. We sometimes feel like our nights are busier when the moon is full. But… is this moon myth true or not? We investigated for you!
Tides and the Lunar Cycle
The idea that more births occur during a full moon is a very old one. It could certainly be called a myth. But is it fact or fiction? There are countless explanations for why the moon might influence the number of births. For instance, the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, and the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. The cycles of the moon and a woman are therefore somewhat aligned, leading the moon to be associated with fertility and pregnancy. The moon also affects the tides, and since we are mostly made of water, it’s thought that the moon might also influence us and the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
Research on the Moon Myth
A popular belief or myth naturally attracts researchers. The influence of the moon on births has been studied repeatedly. Unfortunately, no research has yet proven that more children are born on nights when there is a full moon. According to statistics, a night with a full moon is just as busy or quiet for midwives as any other night.
Births Often Begin at Night
What is true is that many births start at night or in the evening. And that makes perfect sense. At night, you are generally calmer, a signal your body interprets as ‘safe.’ Your body then doesn’t produce adrenaline, which is produced during stress and unrest. Adrenaline inhibits the production of oxytocin, the birth hormone that causes your uterus to contract. So, when you are relaxed enough, your body is ready to give birth, and you will notice the onset of labor with the first contractions.
Sensitivity to the Moon
It hasn’t been proven that a full moon leads to more births than on other days. Yet, we always have the impression that there is more activity among our pregnant women before and after a full moon. Perhaps you sleep better or worse around a full moon. If you are sensitive to this, consciously or unconsciously, it could also influence your body and, consequently, the start of labor.
Strength and Confidence in Your Body for the Birth
Whether the influence of the full moon on births is scientifically proven or not doesn’t matter to us. If you feel that the moon’s phase affects your mood, it could also influence when your labor begins. Do you feel relaxed and able to let go during those nights? That can only help and give you confidence in your body and the strength you need. And that is exactly what we want.
Preparing for Birth, Amsterdam Zuid Midwives Are Here to Help
Your birth can’t be predicted, but you can certainly prepare for it. With practical tips for home births and what you need to have on hand for the postnatal period, for example. But also physically and by getting well-informed. We offer various workshops for this, which you can find on our website. And, of course, all our midwives are here for you and ready to answer all your questions during consultations and in between if needed. We are here for you.
