Editing Preterm birth (section)

=== Effect of the coronavirus pandemic ===
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], a drastic drop in the rate of premature births was reported in many countries, ranging from a 20% reduction to a 90% drop in the starkest cases. Studies in Ireland and Denmark first noticed the phenomenon, and it has been confirmed elsewhere. There is no universally accepted explanation for this drop {{As of|2020|August|lc=y}}. Hypotheses include additional rest and support for expectant mothers staying at home, less air pollution due to shutdowns and reduced car fumes, and reduced likelihood of catching other diseases and viruses in general due to the lockdowns.<ref>{{cite news | vauthors = Preston E |date=July 19, 2020 |title=During Coronavirus Lockdowns, Some Doctors Wondered: Where Are the Preemies? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/19/health/coronavirus-premature-birth.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 2, 2020 }}</ref>{{Update inline|date=May 2025}}