Why More Babies Are Conceived During the Holidays + Tried-And-True TTC Tips

You know that when December rolls around, people crank up the holiday music, dim the lights, and cozy up… yes, we’re talking about those intimate holiday vibes. But is there data that shows more babies are conceived during the holiday season? Spoiler: yes. And if you’re trying to conceive (TTC), this might give you hope, help with planning, and remind you that this journey is real, sometimes messy, and absolutely worth it.

• In the U.S., most births happen between June and early November, meaning many conceptions occur during fall/winter. (1)
  
  

• One study (“How holiday sex and fertility cycles shape birth seasonality”) found that sexual activity increases during holiday periods, and that’s likely a big driver behind conception spikes. (2)
  
  

• Other international data shows that in many places, conceptions peak in late fall/early winter, which matches up with births in late summer/early autumn. (3)

It’s hard to nail down a single percentage globally because the data is a little messy. But some studies give us ballparks:

• In one U.S. dataset, conception around Christmas/New Year’s time contributed to a noticeable bump in birth rates about 9 months later. ( 4)
  
  

• Specific holidays like Christmas Day sometimes show a ~4.1% conception rate in certain U.S. datasets “around that holiday” (meaning in the days surrounding, not necessarily only on that one day) compared to the average daily conception rate. ( 5)

So yes: the holidays do seem to matter. The combination of more free time, mood, less structure/schedules, perhaps more social drinking (for those who partake), more cozy evenings—all those plus biological rhythms = a boost.

If you’re in the TTC club (or thinking of joining), here are concrete things you can do. None of them is a guarantee, but each moves the odds in your favor. 

When it comes to fertility prep, two areas often pop up in research and real-life TTC journeys: metabolic balance and nutrient reserves. That’s where inositols and prenatals come in.

Myo & D-Chiro Inositol
These naturally occurring compounds act as messengers in the body, helping with insulin sensitivity and hormone signaling. For people with PCOS especially, studies suggest inositol blends can support more regular ovulation and reproductive health.*

Prenatal Multivitamins
A prenatal isn’t just for pregnancy itself—it’s about laying the foundation ahead of time. Nutrients like Folate, Iron, Choline, and Omega-3 DHA play important roles in egg health, hormone balance, and early fetal development. Building up those stores before conception makes a real difference.

At Legendairy Milk, our mission is to support all women at all stages, which is why inositol and a comprehensive prenatal are cornerstones in our fertility-support lineup. They’re not magic bullets, but they’re evidence-backed tools that can help set the stage while you’re doing all the other things—tracking cycles, reducing stress, moving your body, resting, and giving yourself grace.

• Start early: Nutrient stores take time. If possible, begin prenatal + inositol 3-6 months before attempting pregnancy. This gives your body time to normalize.
  
  

• Have realistic expectations: For most people, conception takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months (or longer). If you’re over age 35, or have known hormonal/metabolic issues, timelines often stretch.
  
  

• Get medical input: If your cycles are very irregular, you suspect PCOS or thyroid issues, or have other risk factors (age, prior fertility issues), working with an OB/GYN or a fertility specialist is a great first step.
  
  

• Wellness is more than biology: Mental health, community, rest, and joy matter. The TTC path can bring grief, joy, frustration, hope, doubt, and everything in between. It’s okay to feel those things—and to reach out for support.

Since data shows more conceptions around the holidays, it’s natural to wonder, “Should I aim for a December baby?” But putting pressure on yourself to hit a “holiday-baby” timeline can add unnecessary stress, and stress can actually make trying to conceive harder.

Instead, think of the holiday season as a chance to breathe a little. Connect with loved ones, enjoy cozy moments, and give yourself permission to step back from external pressures. Those pauses matter—not just for your mental well-being, but for your fertility mindset too.

Even with busy schedules, travel, late nights, or holiday indulgences, consistency matters more than perfection. Keeping up with supportive nutrients like a prenatal and inositol can help you stay on track without adding guilt or stress.

Remember: conception doesn’t always follow a calendar. If timing isn’t perfect, that doesn’t mean anything is “wrong”—it’s just part of the journey. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate small wins, and allow your path to unfold at its own pace.

At the end of the day, trying to conceive can be hard. Hormones are messy. Life throws curveballs. Sometimes progress feels invisible. But every step you take—tracking, nourishing your body, choosing supportive supplements, resting—those are wins.

Let the holidays be more than a season. Let them be a reminder of hope, rest, connection—and maybe, just maybe, of beginnings.

1. Smithsonian Magazine, “Why More Babies Are Conceived in the Cold Winter Months” (2018). ( Smithsonian Magazine)
2. Symul, L., et.al. Unmasking Seasonal Cycles in Human Fertility: How holiday sex and fertility cycles shape birth seasonality, medRxiv preprint (2020). ( MedRxiv)

3. Darrow, L. A. & Miron, J. A., “Seasonality of Birth and Implications for …” PMC, 2009. ( PMC)
4. Capetta, A.More people get pregnant during the holidays than any other time. The ‘Christmas Effect’ explained. (2024 ) ( Yahoo)
5. Graphiq, N. Which holidays are most popular for baby-making? (2015). ( Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH))
6. Sullivan, T. How Do Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro-Inositol Support Fertility?(2025) ( Fertility Family)
7. Myo-Inositol for Fertility Treatment. (2015). ( RSC Bay Area)

8. Center for Human Reproduction, Myo-Inositol Fertility Benefits … ( Center for Human Reproduction)
9. Cleveland Clinic, Inositol: Benefits & Side Effects (2023) ( Cleveland Clinic)