The Correlation between the Full and New Moons and Onset of Labor
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between the full moon, new moon, and barometric pressure on the onset of labor. Patients admitted in spontaneous labor to the obstetrical unit of a small U.S. Air Force hospital during 1988 comprised the sample population (N = 281). Dates and times of onset of labor were collected from hospital records. Hourly barometric pressures for each day of 1988 plus the dates of the full and new moons were also obtained. Frequencies of labor onset at the full and new moon were compared with days controlled for barometric pressure. The frequency of onset of labor at the full moon was also compared with days when the barometric pressure was not controlled. Chi-Square Goodness of Fit was used. Results suggest a significant positive relationship between the onset of labor and significant decreases in barometric pressure (Chi square = 26.045, p < .05). No relationship was found between the full and new moons and the onset of labor. The findings indicating a relationship between barometric pressure and labor onset support previous inquiries by Driscoll and Merker and Katzeff. The conflicting nature of the remaining findings, however, makes it difficult to recommend reallocation of resources to coincide with the full and new moons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA218138
Entities
People
- Andrea R. Neuerburg
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology