The Black Country appears set for a baby boom – and it could all be down to the bad winter.

Almost 200 extra 12-week maternity scans were taken in Dudley and Walsall during the first few months of this year compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures.

It comes after an independent midwife said bad winters often led to baby booms – and last winter saw some of the most severe weather in years.

Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust has seen an extra 107 ‘dating’ scans, which are used to work out a mother’s due date, carried out in February and March this year than during the same two months last year.

More than 80 extra scans were carried out in Dudley during February, March and April 2010 compared to the same time last year.

The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust showed a rise of almost seven percent in the number of 12-week scans that took place in that time.

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust also said it has experienced a “small increase” in 12-week scans in February and March.

Independent midwife Joy Horner, of Birth Joy, said: “We do see a rise in conception rates when there’s been severe weather.

“The snow could definitely be the reason for the baby boom next month. If you cannot get out of your house, you’ve got to find some way to keep yourself occupied.”