Every cloud has a silver lining — Fewer Premature Births during Coronavirus Lockdowns

[Anonymous]

During Coronavirus Lockdowns, Some Doctors Wondered: Where Are the Preemies?

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/19/health/coronavirus-premature-birth.html

They don’t have a conclusion yet and it could be multiple factors ranging for more rest to exposure to fewer colds or pollution. But every baby that isn’t premature is a victory in my book.

[Anonymous]

Really fascinating. I bet pollution has something to do with it, as it’s already been shown to affect IVF outcomes.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't conclude it is a silver lining. One data set in London showed the stillbirth rate increased during lockdown. Some of these stillbirths are babies who would have been delivered prematurely in an attempt to save their life, because the doctor detected a problem with the pregnancy that was putting the fetus at risk. When society shut down, women stopped going in for their prenatal appointments or postponed them, so problems were not detected at a time when the baby could have been delivered "preterm".

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/natural-experiment-lockdown-sees-fall-rate-premature-birth/