It’s the most wonderful time of the year! So naturally, December is traditionally the month here in the UK when the most babies are conceived, more so than any other month.

Many December conceptions are meticulously planned, while others are unexpected Christmas presents. In fact, data from the Office for National Statistics shows that September 26^th is the most common birth date for the last two decades – we’ll let you do the maths on that one!

Of course, while it’s lovely to think of a bunch of Christmas babies being born nine months later, all these sexy festive shenanigans have an unavoidable impact on the people at the front line of baby delivery, our midwives.

So much so, that last September, one London based midwife, Mhairi Maharry took to Twitter to ask us all to think carefully about Christmas copulation. In a tweet that led some to apologise for Mummy going a lot further than kissing Santa Claus, she said: “How is it only the 5th of September. I can’t take 25 more days of this. If you know or love a midwife, PLEASE STOP SHAGGING AT CHRISTMAS.”

Ooh-er! As mum to a September baby that was most definitely conceived on Christmas Eve when Daddy returned home after working away, I do feel a little responsible for the added stress. But of course, we’re just one set of parents among many, all with their own reasons and stories behind their beautiful September babies.

We did a little digging and here are some of the reasons why we’re busier with baby making during December!

Reasons behind the September birth surge

Some parents want to give their little ones a head start for school as the oldest in the year
Partners who work away come home for Christmas or we’re more able to spend time with our other half while off work
Couples make it their resolution to become parents in the next year and make an early start on their plans, only to ‘catch’ early
Alcohol consumption leads to lack of or ineffective contraception e.g sickness stopping the pill from working, getting carried away after a few festive tipples
It’s cold and there’s nothing on TV (only joking!)

Checking in with our Facebook community revealed lots of romantic, magical and some ever-so-slightly funny baby conception stories from other Mums and Dads, and some of the above scenarios did feature. From our very own Katie Hall, who received the best ever Christmas present when she conceived her son, Max, through to extra special Christmas birth announcements, we’ve popped some of our favourite Christmas baby stories below for you to enjoy. We’re certain they’ll bring some festive cheer your way!

In the meantime, before you get down to business this Christmas, spare a thought for our wonderful midwives, please!

A Festive Surprise

Katie Hall: “I’d lost three stone in three months, was so close to finally being a healthy weight. But after being told my severe PCOS, endometriosis and blocked Fallopian tubes would prevent natural conception, we were expecting to need IVF but told even that was unlikely to work due to the toxic fluid blocking my tubes. I was on the mini pill to control my horrible periods but my hardcore dieting washed the pill out of my system and I got pregnant around the 17th of December 2015. I felt rubbish all Christmas… did a test on the 5th of January 2016 after realising that my ‘period’ wasn’t my period and was absolutely knocked senseless by the positive test!”

Lauren: “Too much to drink meant I conceived a Xmas day baby – our first time not trying.”

Rachel: “After 5 months of diet, exercise, no alcohol, intense trying and ovulation watch decided to let go for Christmas day and son was conceived after eating my own body weight in stilton cheese, Quality Street and prosecco on Christmas day!”

An Extra Christmas Present

Alicia: “I conceived at the beginning on December with our second baby. It was Boxing Day I found out, so wrapped up the test and placed it under the tree, and told my fiancé he didn’t open one his presents.”

A Birthday Present

Abi: “My birthday is 29th December… my little girl was born 26th September.”

New Year Fireworks

Sophie: ”With my second baby I found out I was pregnant on New Year’s Day. She was born August 27^th but due September 12^th. I probably conceived around Xmas Day lol – lots to drink that Christmas!”

Nicole: “My two pals and their kid were down at ours New Year’s Eve to stay. When they left, our wee boy went for a nap…me and my OH had sexy tume and I fell pregnant, so I literally started New Year with a bang!”

So… how many of our readers have babies conceived during the festive period? Share your stories with us in the comments!