Number of Preemies Plummet Worldwide During COVID-19

About one in 10 U.S. babies is born early (before 37 weeks of gestation). Doctors in the U.S. and other countries have noticed a dramatic drop in the number of premature babies during the COVID-19 lockdown. Doctors have theorized the reasons could be more rest, less air pollution, and fewer exposures to illness during social isolation. The New York Times reports that doctors are hopeful further research into what was different during locked down might help doctors, scientists and parents-to-be understand the causes of premature birth and ways to prevent it.