Polar Vortex baby boom arrives in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa -- More expecting mothers are getting ready for special deliveries this fall, thanks to what's being called the "Polar Vortex baby boom."

Maternity wards are busier than ever some nine months after the end of our bitter cold winter.

Meet Olivia Doyel who came into the world Thursday. "When we got here only one room was available so the whole place was full, so it's busy," said Brandon Doyel, a new father.

All 39 maternity rooms and the NICU are full right now at Unity Point Health in Des Moines.

Doctors believe the baby bonanza is a result of the polar vortex last December and January. It was one of the snowiest and coldest winters on record.

"We tried to avoid the snow and went to the Bahamas and that's when she happened," said Doyel.

Even the Doyel's doctor is due any day and the hospital spokeswoman started having contractions during our interviews on Friday.

"I don't know if there's any science about it. In Iowa, there's not a lot to do than to try to keep warm," said Amy Varcoe, Unity Point spokeswoman.

"I always made the assumption it's winter nights and cozy nights, a little bit of cabin fever," said Dr. Amy Bingaman.

Bingaman is feeling the whiplash of winter in the delivery room now.

"Seven deliveries in nine hours, so it can be very busy," said Bingaman.

The increase in births in Iowa is part of a nationwide trend with August and September being the busiest months in maternity wards.

"With all the cold last winter, people are trying to find a way to stay warm inside. What else you going to do?" said KCCI Meteorologist Metinka Slater.

With meteorologists forecasting another frigid winter ahead, those hoping to get pregnant may want to plan ahead to avoid a crowd of blizzard babies next fall.

"Get busy now then you'll have plenty of room and space come spring and summer," said Varcoe.

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