Does lunar position influence the time of delivery? A statistical analysis

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Lunar Astronomy
• Perinatal Epidemiology

Background:

• The influence of celestial bodies on human physiology and birth timing has been a subject of historical interest.
• Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding lunar cycles and delivery patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential relationship between lunar position and the timing of spontaneous full-term deliveries.
• To analyze the distribution of spontaneous births in relation to the phases of the moon, specifically the full moon.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 1248 spontaneous full-term deliveries over a three-year period (36 lunar months).
• Data collected from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Civil Hospital, Fano, Italy.
• Circular statistical techniques were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant connection was identified between the lunar month and the distribution of spontaneous full-term deliveries.
• The effect of lunar phases on delivery timing was more pronounced in multiparous and plurigravid women.
• In these specific groups, the mean day of delivery occurred on the first or second day following the full moon.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates an influence of lunar phases on the timing of childbirth.
• This lunar influence appears particularly relevant for multiparous and plurigravid individuals.
• However, the observed effect is too weak to reliably predict days with the highest frequency of deliveries.