Best time of year for a baby: Autumn and winter

Autumn babies

• Most panic attacks
• Most likely to be physically active
• Latest age at menopause

Being born in autumn is meant to be good for health because mums will have soaked up lots of vitamin D from the summer's sunlight. Vitamin D is important for brain function and is also thought to have long-term health benefits.

Reproductive hormones are higher in pregnant women in summer, so this is thought to lead to autumn babies being born with more eggs and so having a later menopause.

Winter babies

• Tallest people
• Most likely to be grumpy
• Highest levels of epilepsy

Daylight hours and an increase in vitamin D are linked to winter babies being taller, while the lack of sunshine is thought to be the reason for grumpiness.

Scientists have also discovered that winter people tend to be less likely to try extreme sports and prefer comfort and familiarity. Strange but true.

More help and advice

- What's the best age to have a baby?
- 10 things to do before trying for a baby
- Use our ovulation date calculator to help you conceive
- 10 things you need to know about ovulation

By Rob Mansfield