Labour ward activity and the lunar cycle

Abstract

To refute the commonly held belief by the general public that the lunar cycle affects labour, we studied 10 027 deliveries over an 18-month period in a large maternity unit in Ireland. There was no increase in the total number of deliveries during the times of a full moon compared with other times. The caesarean section, instrumental vaginal delivery, and pre-term delivery rate remained unchanged over the times of a full moon. We conclude that the lunar cycle has no influence on labour ward activity.