Time of Birth: Chance or Science?

Along with many others involved in the birth world for over ten years, I feel that I have observed more births occur overnight than during the day. There are numerous proven factors that influence time of birth, many of which include interventions. Incidences of induction of labour (IOL) appear to be increasing1 and this in turn impacts time of birth, owing to an artificial onset of birth which can differ between units depending on usual custom and practice in relation to when IOLs are commenced. The purpose of this article is to explore evidence surrounding additional factors that affect timing and onset of birth, and to compare these to midwives’ anecdotal beliefs regarding time of birth, as well as reflecting on my own experiences in practice.