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For animals, spring is the time when all of their babies are exploring the world for the first time. We all gawk at the cubs emerging from the den, or the new songs of baby birds crying for more food before they fly for the first time. Humans aren’t limited to when we can give birth or conceive and many wonder — when is the best time to get pregnant?
Some say the best time to conceive is in the winter months, and do the math and you’ll see many are following this pattern. “We typically have more babies born in July, August, and September,” Mary Lou Kopas, chief of midwifery at the University of Washington Medical Center, wrote in their online journal.
There is actually science behind why winter is the best time to get pregnant.
How easy is it to get pregnant during the winter months?
Humans can conceive and have a baby any time of the year. But for those hoping to improve their odds of getting pregnant, the winter months tend to be the most favorable. It doesn’t hurt that winters are made for cuddling in front of a fire or while snuggled up watching your favorite Netflix binge. Then there are the holiday parties and events where you get dressed up and enjoy a few extra egg nogs. How is that not a setting for the romance that leads to a bun in the oven?
But there is much more to the winter season for baby-making than just the mood. Your husband’s sperm count is increased during the season and this makes getting pregnant easier. In fact, studies show that November and December are the most fertile months based on the number of births nine months later.
Increasing sperm counts to increase your odds of getting pregnant
It’s not so much what winter does to sperm as it is what it doesn’t do. Heat is a known cause of reduced sperm counts, and if you live in a region with extreme summers this is exacerbated. This is why fertility experts advise men to avoid any heat around the testicles if they are trying to conceive.
But just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your husband shouldn’t avoid other heat-causing scenarios such as wearing briefs instead of boxers, sitting with a laptop on your lap, relaxing in a hot tub, or getting sick and feverish.
Getting high testosterone levels
Testosterone is needed for sperm production, thus the higher a man’s levels of testosterone, the more sperm he is producing and that improves the chances of conceiving. One study that looked at testosterone levels during the seasons showed that testosterone levels change based on the season. Unfortunately, the testosterone levels were not considered elevated during winter months.
But there are some things about the winter holiday season that could help men improve their testosterone levels. One is the type of food that is eaten; by eating enough protein during the seemingly never-ending eat-fest of winter, men can improve testosterone levels. Those who enjoy the holidays and find the constant activity enjoyable rather than stressful will also have a positive impact on testosterone levels.
Enjoying the winter months
It may seem trite, but the holiday aspect of winter is beneficial to conceiving. People are spending more time together, socializing at holiday parties, around family, and considering what they want for the new year. It’s natural for couples to get caught up in growing their own family during this festive period of the year. “I felt my desire to have a baby grew during the holidays where I’d see friends creating memories with their kids,” says Judy Kerr who had a September baby boy.
As a woman, remember that stress can hinder your chances of getting pregnant. So while the time of year is conducive to conceiving, realize that you will also need to keep your stress levels down when it comes to the holidays. This might mean accepting that you can’t make every party or do every activity you want. But trying to do too much is a common problem that leads to a stressed-out holiday season. There is plenty of shopping to do and engagements to make; just be sure to take care of yourself, too. That is the best way to increase your chances of conceiving during the winter months.