Meteorological conditions affecting labor.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify meteorological conditions that influence the birth rate. A theory was formulated on how specific meteorological conditions would affect the birth rate. This theory was based on a review of literature. Physiological reasons for the theory were introduced. Data were obtained at Hill Air Force Base. These data included specific new and full moon lunar phase days, barometric pressure changes, and atmospheric ionization as indexed by precipitation types. All of these variables were considered separately and as they coexist in nature as they relate to birth incidence. The results substantiated the theory. A higher number of births occurred during conditions of full moon, barometric pressure decrease, and positive atmospheric ionization. No change in birth incidence occurred during conditions of new moon lunar phase, stable or increased barometric pressure, and neutral or negative ionization. Birth incidence was also discussed in relation to other combinations of the variables and an addition to the basic theory was suggested. This theory included reasoning based on the habituation response. Because different meteorological conditions vary in other geographical locations, future investigations would include replication of this study in other areas to determine if the results are generalizable.