After the big freeze that the UK has suffered midwives are predicting a major baby boom this coming autumn.

Already maternity services are preparing for the increase after couples who have been confined to their homes for long nights and cosy days during the coldest winter for almost five decades. The predicted baby boom has been confirmed by studies from abroad which show that when there is a heavy fall of snow, especially if coupled with power failure, then a sharp increase in the number of births nine months from then is almost certain.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is predicting the same pattern in Britain, resulting in a “double whammy” hitting maternity wards this autumn, just as they recover from a regular peak in births following conceptions over the Christmas holidays.

For thousands denied heating as well as television and radio during this month’s repeated power cuts, the chance to find alternative sources of warmth and entertainment will have proved irresistable, say midwives.

RCM director Jacque Gerrard said maternity units were now gearing up for a “significant” baby boom.

“All across the country, people have been snowed in, or getting home from work early so they can escape the worst of the weather. Some of them are going stir crazy – others are finding ways to entertain themselves,” she said.

“We are expecting a double whammy from September, on top of the normal Christmas conceptions,” she said.

With annual conception rates last year reaching a 791,000 – a 15 year record – it was possible a new UK high would be reached following this winter, she said.

Tags: baby boom, new births, Pregnancy & Pre-Birth

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