Increased incidence of high-order and singleton conceptions after ovulation induction in winter

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Seasonal Health Patterns

Background:

• Ovulation induction therapies aim to improve fertility but can increase risks of multifetal pregnancies.
• Understanding factors influencing conception success and pregnancy outcomes is crucial for effective fertility treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between the season of conception following ovulation induction and the occurrence of high-order multifetal pregnancies.
• To determine if seasonal variations influence singleton conception rates after ovulation induction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 111 high-order multiple births and 142 singleton pregnancies resulting from ovulation induction between 1975 and 1989.
• Construction of monthly cohorts to estimate the probability of high-order multifetal pregnancies based on the season of ovulation induction and presumed conception.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in the probability of both high-order multifetal and singleton conceptions was observed during the winter months.
• The study identified a distinct seasonal pattern influencing conception rates after ovulation induction.

Conclusions:

• Seasonal variations appear to play a role in conception success rates following ovulation induction.
• Winter conception may be associated with a higher likelihood of achieving high-order multifetal pregnancies and singleton births.