THE SEASONALITY OF BIRTHS IN CANADA - A COMPARISON WITH THE NORTHERN UNITED-STATES

This paper presents evidence that there are substantial differences in the seasonal birth patterns of Canada and the northern United States. The seasonal birth pattern in Canada is characterized by a birth peak in April-May, and a trough in December-January. The birth pattern in the northern U.S. is characterized by a trough in April-May, and a peak in August-September. The influence of climate on the birth patterns is explored in an attempt to explain the discrepancies. In both Canada and the United States, there is an inverse relationship between temperature and conceptions during the summer months. The study concludes that variation in temperature alone cannot explain the discrepancy between the birth patterns of southern Canada and the northern United States.