Heatwave baby boom
High births expected in 2019 due to record summer
IRELAND could be set for a baby boom next year thanks to the summer’s prolonged heatwaves.
Scientific evidence suggests increased exposure to sunlight boosts the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant by a third.
Separate research also found bright skies increase the levels of serotonin, the mood-enhancing hormone in the brains of men and women.
And after the hottest summer in decades, Ireland has been tipped to expect a mini-baby boom from next spring.
Paddy Power is offering odds of 11/10 for 2019 to produce the most babies on record.
And the bookmakers has put the name Francis at 66/1 to be one of the top choices for baby boys on foot of the recent papal visit.
A spokesman said: “The public got very hot under the collar during the recent heatwave.
“With so much skin on show we think it’s very likely people got hot and bothered in bedrooms too.
“With that in mind it’s short odds this year’s record temperatures will be blamed for a massive baby boom in 2019 when the number of live births are expected to reach record levels.
“On the flipside, given the Pope’s recent visit, it seems obvious that lots of expectant families will draw on his name for inspiration.”
Belgian scientists analysed the IVF results of 6,000 women over a six-year period and found fertilisation rates,
THE summer may have officially ended but the good weather will be with us for most of the coming week.
Met Eireann said high pressure will bring settled conditions with not much in the way of rain in the days ahead. The live births and the number of eggs all improved after they were in the sun.
Meanwhile, Willie Daly said there will be more romance at this year’s Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival if the sun keeps shining.
The Co Clare love doctor added: “The better the weather, the more matchmaking I’ll be doing.”
forecaster added: “Today will be dry with temperatures reaching 18C. Tuesday will be much the same with some light winds.
“Wednesday will be cloudy with temperatures in the high teens with not much change on Thursday and Friday.”