Babies conceived in the month of June are at higher risk of birth defects or premature births, scientists warned. The month of June has been described as the “toxic month,” when agricultural infrastracture tend to use high levels of pesticides on crops. Researchers also observed inconsistent levels of light or vitamin D during the month that could be responsible for the birth risks.

A new study shows that those who were born in February, the due date for June babies, are more likely to suffer poor health. The June effect has been found to cause the lowest survival rates and significantly shorter pregnancies or premature babies among other months of the year.

“June is a toxic month,” said researcher Paul Winchester, of Indiana University, in a report by The Telegraph.

Winchester and his colleagues suggest December as the best time of the year to plan for pregnancy.

December has been found as the most ideal time for women to deliver babies. During the month, there are three extra surviving babies in every 200 pregnancies. The findings come from the analysis of more than 270,000 pregnancies between 2004 and 2009.

The study also revealed that the time of year a woman gets pregnant can influence birth rates. Winchester said that “Valentine’s Day is one of the least likely times to conceive a baby, whereas Christmas seems a very positive time.”

However, the factors which cause June risks and December benefits were not determined, though there have been links between agricultural elements and the effects of both months on pregnancies.

“It has been my suspicion that this is not accidental but may have some biological basis. Vitamin D levels and pesticides might be relevant factors,” Winchester said. “If you want to avoid a birth defect or a premature birth then it might be worth avoiding June,” he added.

Previous studies have also found that spina bifida incidence, a neural tube defect, and sudden infant death, are highest in June.

The new study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, backs earlier research from the University of Cambridge, which revealed that children born during the summer turn out to be healthy adults.

However, parents should not be overly alarmed with the findings of the new study as the overall disease risk is relatively minor, and diet and exercise are still more influential factors in a pregnancy, according to researcher Nicholas Tatonetti from the Columbia University in the U.S. The findings though could reportedly be used by fertility clinics in guiding parents.

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