Seasonality of births in the North West Province, Cameroon: implications for family planning programme.

This article presents an analysis of the seasonal variation of births between 1978 and 1987 (10 years) in the North West Province. A total of 157,316 births were recorded during the 10 years in question. Highest delivery peaks noticed in the second half of the year for 8/10 years. This gives conception peaks between October and March. Minimum for all the 10 years taken together occurs in July while maximum occurs in September. Considering 40 weeks as normal gestation period, conception peak for the 10 years taken together occurs in December. This peak is related to the festivities that take place within this month. The findings have important implications for family planning. Family planning education needs to be intensified during the period of highest conception or that which leads up to it.