What will being born in April mean for the royal baby?

Just yesterday, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William revealed that their third baby would be due in April.

“Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April,” said a spokesperson from Kensington Palace.

Aww a spring baby.

The Duchess’ due date could be close to Kate and William’s wedding anniversary (April 29) or Princess Charlotte‘s birthday (May 2).

While it’s unlikely the royal couple did some exact calculations to ensure they had a spring baby, the truth is that the month you give birth actually matters.

Not only could the time of year you conceive actually make a difference to your pregnancy, it may also have an affect on child’s health and development throughout the course of their life.

Recent research by Indiana University found that babies conceived in December were more likely to be healthy as infants and adults, while trying to conceive in June was apparently ‘toxic’ resulting in more premature births.

Researchers examined 52 million pregnancies over 12 years, and found that December conceptions result in the highest birth rates.

But then we already know that as last month a midwife issued a call to couples not to get fruity over the festive season due to the fact that delivery rooms are overrun by mums giving birth in September.

So what of babies born in April?

Turns out that little ones who have a birthday in spring could have a brighter outlook on life. A recent study conducted by researchers in Hungary found that spring-born bubs were more likely to have a “hyperthymic temperament”, which is a characteristic associated with being overly positive. What’s more, having a sunny disposition could have health benefits as research suggests optimism can improve mood and give your immune system a boost.

Weirdly, spring babies are also more susceptible to the precise opposite of hyperthymia: clinical depression. According to a study of 58,000 subjects in the UK in 2012, people born in May have the highest depression rates. Let’s hope that the Duchess doesn’t go overdue.

A baby born in April might well have creative tendencies too. According to recent research published in the journal Comprehensive Psychology, babies born in “wet” months (i.e. the months and astrological star signs associated with winter and early spring) were more creative. April showers and all that.

The new royal baby will be fifth in line for the throne, and being a good leader could be something that their April birth will set them up for. A study by researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada found that babies born in March and April were twice as likely to become company leaders as those born in June or July.

There are other plus points to having a baby in the spring too, with some studies suggesting babies born in the springtime could be more intelligent than babies born at other times of the year.

Sadly, having brains comes with an increased risk of asthma and heart issues. According to a study by data scientists at Columbia University, people who were born in March (which the royal baby could be if he/she makes an early appearance) are more likely to suffer from conditions such as congestive heart failure.

On a practical level, having a baby in the spring time means the Duchess won’t have to be heavily pregnant in the hot summer months. What’s more by the time the weather does heat up, the warmer weather will make it much more appealing for her to get out of the house. Spring sunshine could be a nice pull for Kate to shrug off her royal pjs, get outside and push the pram round the grounds of Kensington Palace.

Giving birth in the spring will also mean the Duchess will have the whole summer to enjoy her leave from royal duties. Hello five months of sunny skies and alfresco coffees (well, in theory!).

There’s the fact that people are generally less sick in the spring time too. Winter’s chilly weather with its coughs, colds and, worse still, flu, are hopefully a distant memory. So while Kate and Wills are showing off their new addition, there will be less chance that people will be sneezing and spluttering all over their shiny newborn. Because nobody wants a poorly baby.

The Duchess might also have to take into consideration the fact that her third baby could arrive slap bang in the middle of the Easter holidays. With Prince George having started school in September, she could have to juggle the pressures of having a newborn – sleepless nights, constant feeding, changing nappies – with keeping her eldest entertained while he’s on school holidays. Throw Princess Charlotte into the mix and it’s sure to be a situation that will test even the calmest of royal mothers.

But though its fun to speculate what being born in April could mean for the Cambridges’ third baby, the research is far from conclusive. In other words, the destiny of the royal baby won’t necessarily be defined by his or her date of birth, but rather their own personal choices.

Still, a spring baby. Aww.

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