Watch CBS News

Report: Hospitals Bracing For 'Polar Vortex Baby' Surge

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It was only a few short months ago that the Polar Vortex had its icy grip on the area.

Who could forget that endless winter of 2013-2014, and the infamous polar vortex?

In certain cases, though, the reminders are not at all unpleasant. That long, brutal winter has also led to a number of blessed events. At West Penn Hospital, they say the birth rate this summer is 30 percent higher than normal.

Jessica and Ryan Addeo admit the cold winter may have something to do with a little surprise named Grant. Their third boy was born Sunday night.

"It does make sense," the mother says. "In the summer, you're out. You're swimming, you're biking, you're doing all sorts of stuff outside. In the winter there's nothing to do and so you have three boys before you know it."

Her two other sons were July babies. Their father's job involves a lot of outdoor work.

"When I did come home from work," Ryan says, "you really didn't want to spend much time outside, because the winter was just so bad. So you just spend a lot of time inside trying to find things to do and stay busy and have a good time."

Dr. Paul Weinbaum also attributes the summer baby boom to environmental influences.

"People are not as able to get out, to go to the movies, to do the other things that they enjoy doing," he says. "So they stay home, and do the things that they enjoy at home."

And if we get another cold winter, Ryan Addeo says, "You never know what can happen."

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More Reports From Dave Crawley
Join The Conversation, Like KDKA On Facebook
Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.