Oh, baby!
Less likely to develop ADHD
Researchers from Columbia found that children born in November had the highest risk of developing ADHD, although their study was admittedly limited as it only observed children in New York. Other researchers have found a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses for the youngest children in classrooms, giving weight to the theory that older children (like those born in spring) are less likely to develop ADHD. Of course, that doesn’t mean spring babies won’t or can’t develop the disorder.
More likely to develop anorexia
Researchers from the Wellcome Trust Center for Human Genetics in the United Kingdom discovered a surprising link to a dangerous eating disorder and a patient’s birth season. Namely, they found that for every 100 patients studied (who were born between March and June) eight developed anorexia, which represents a 15 percent increased risk. While the reasons behind this phenomena remain unclear, some theories include the birth mother’s vitamin D levels, changes in weather, infections, and dietary habits during pregnancy.
Fewer allergies
While spring might mean hell for our allergies, it turns out it’s a great time to be born if you want to breathe clearly. Allergy and respiratory geneticists from the University of South Hampton in the United Kingdom studied DNA markers in children born in different seasons to learn if there was a link between when we’re born and the development of allergies. Surprisingly, they found an increased risk of allergies, hay fever, asthma and eczema in children born in fall and the least risk for babies born in the spring.
Less likely to develop respiratory infections
While spring babies may have fewer allergies, those born in May are even luckier. Researchers discovered that May babies also have less risk of developing respiratory infections. While the exact reason remains unclear, it is believed that environmental factors during particular seasons play a role in shaping the future health and well-being of a child.
The highest risk of developing heart disease
While spring babies may enjoy fewer allergies and colds, they are at a much higher risk for developing heart-related problems, including heart disease. In fact, Columbia researchers discovered that babies born in the spring have higher incidences of developing heart disease, with March babies having the highest rates of all. While the link isn’t completely understood, it’s (once again) believed to be the effect of our environment on our genetics when we’re born that creates these patterns of disease.
Increased risk of angina
Another heart-related condition spring babies have to watch out for in their adult years is angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). According to a study published by Oxford University Press, April babies have the highest risk of developing angina as adults, with those born in September presenting the lowest risk. The good news is that angina can often be treated with lifestyle changes (including exercise and a healthy diet), as well as medications.
