Myth or truth? What can the phases and changes of the moon really influence in childbirth? For as long as I can remember, this conversation has taken place at home. My mother has always said that during a change in the moon’s phases, pregnant women may go into labor. It’s no wonder that maternity wards fill up on these days of lunar change! But is this a myth or the truth?

Myth or truth?

The truth is that no one has any scientific basis on this subject. The only tangible evidence is what actually happens in maternity wards during a change of the moon1. Maternity wards simply fill with pregnant women showing some sign of labor or at least some indication of it. Symptoms can include anything from persistent cramps, loss of the mucus plug, to water breaking.

The attempt to explain the theory that the moon’s changes interfere in the labor of women who are more advanced in pregnancy is the force that the moon exerts on water. In the sea, it is certain that the moon’s influence exists, that’s why the tide is higher during the full moon. The energy that the moon’s change emits may influence bodily fluids just as it influences the oceans and their tides, especially in pregnant women. The downward pressure could make a possible and imminent labor happen at that moment. In addition to this influence over body fluids, the moon also plays an important role in counting the duration of pregnancy2.

Lunar changes

There are four phases of the moon per cycle:

  • Full moon
  • Waning moon
  • Waxing moon
  • New moon

Pregnancy is also counted based on this lunar cycle: four moons would complete a month of pregnancy for a woman, totaling 10 complete cycles, 280 days or 40 weeks of pregnancy. The ancients used this method to count the pregnancy. With each cycle of four moon phases, another month of pregnancy was completed.

Author’s experience

Author’s note: I’ve always felt the effect of the moon’s change in the final stretch of my pregnancies. I felt pain, and it was very intense—truly, it would only go away when the sun came up. It is a fact that the moon interferes with the sensations of labor, although it is still not clear exactly why. So we fall back on that old popular saying: I don’t believe in witches, but that they exist, oh, they exist!

Readers’ questions:

What is the influence of the new moon on childbirth?

According to reports from doulas, nurses, and specialists who really believe in the moon’s influence, births during the new moon tend to be faster, more peaceful, and with more natural expulsions.

What is the influence of the full moon on childbirth?

During the full moon, the number of unexpected and emergency births is higher, leading to more premature births at this stage. Due to the cervix not being ready, these births are usually more difficult and take longer.

What is the influence of the waning moon on childbirth?

It is considered the phase in which women are least likely to go into labor. When it does happen, labor tends to be longer, more difficult, and almost always ends in a C-section due to slow dilation or even problem with the placenta coming out.

What is the influence of the waxing moon on childbirth?

This is the phase of expected, peaceful births that progress as expected and naturally. Most pregnant women who trust lunar changes hope to deliver their babies during this moon phase. Important Tip: If you feel something different in your body and are late in pregnancy, around 30 weeks or more, it is better to go to a maternity hospital to see if you are in labor. See also: Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy – How They Appear and How to Relieve the Symptoms