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Seasonal variation in human fecundability
L J Smits1, G A Zielhuis, P H Jongbloet
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|January 14, 1999
Summary
This study investigated the seasonality of effective fecundability in women born in the Netherlands. Findings suggest a trend towards higher conception rates in early June and early December, particularly for younger brides.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive epidemiology
- Human reproduction research
- Historical demography
Background:
- Understanding reproductive seasonality is crucial for public health and demographic studies.
- Previous research on fecundability seasonality has been limited by methodological constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seasonal patterns of effective fecundability in a historical cohort.
- To apply a novel statistical method for analyzing conception seasonality.
- To explore potential differences in seasonality based on age at marriage.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a cohort of 402 women from Rotterdam, Netherlands (born 1873-1887).
- Application of a new method for simultaneous control of couple fecundability, pregnancy risk, and confounders.
- Statistical analysis to identify trends in fecundability across different times of the year.
Main Results:
- A trend towards increased effective fecundability was observed in early June and early December (P = 0.06).
- The seasonality of fecundability was more pronounced in women who married at younger ages (<20 years).
Conclusions:
- Effective fecundability exhibits seasonal variation, with peaks potentially occurring in early summer and early winter.
- Younger age at marriage may amplify the effect of reproductive seasonality.
- These findings have implications for studying the seasonality of adverse reproductive outcomes.