The Month of the Year You're Most Likely to Get Pregnant

By A Mystery Man Writer

Yes, you read that right—more women conceive in November than in any other month. How we know: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta shows that August is the most common birth month; backtrack 40 weeks, and that means sperm is meeting egg soon. So why November? The spike could be rooted in our animal instincts to seal the deal before heading into winter hibernation, but science hasn't proved that theory. Other likely causes: Couples have more sex when it's chilly outside in general, says Glamour contributor Katharine O'Connell White, M.D., chief of the division of general obstetrics and gynecology at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Factor in the drinking that's common as the holidays begin, she adds, and you have fewer inhibitions and more sex. Plus, with holiday travel, it's easy to forget your birth control. ("This happens a lot," says Dr. O'Connell White.) But whether the thought of getting pregnant freaks you out—or answers your dreams—the chart below will help get you through the month. If you're not ready for a baby: Then go easy on the pinot. The odds of unintended pregnancy go up 60 percent when you overdo the alcohol. "I
Yes, you read that right—more women conceive in November than in any other month. How we know: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta shows that August is the most common birth month; backtrack 40 weeks, and that means sperm is meeting egg soon. So why November? The spike could be rooted in our animal instincts to seal the deal before heading into winter hibernation, but science hasn't proved that theory. Other likely causes: Couples have more sex when it's chilly outside in general, says Glamour contributor Katharine O'Connell White, M.D., chief of the division of general obstetrics and gynecology at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Factor in the drinking that's common as the holidays begin, she adds, and you have fewer inhibitions and more sex. Plus, with holiday travel, it's easy to forget your birth control. (This happens a lot, says Dr. O'Connell White.) But whether the thought of getting pregnant freaks you out—or answers your dreams—the chart below will help get you through the month. If you're not ready for a baby: Then go easy on the pinot. The odds of unintended pregnancy go up 60 percent when you overdo the alcohol. I