Since the intelligent lockdown in March, the number of babies born too early has decreased significantly. Erasmus MC reports this after a major study with data of more than 1.5 million births. The number of premature births fell by about 20 percent in the first week after March 9.
"Less bacteria and viruses"
After the week of 9 March, researchers at Erasmus MC saw a decrease in the group of babies born two to eight weeks prematurely. On that date, the cabinet announced that people had to stop shaking hands. Prime Minister Rutte also recommended washing hands more often and better, and sneezing in the elbow.
The decrease may be related to the announcement of the cabinet. "By improving hand hygiene and by no longer shaking hands, less bacteria and viruses were exchanged, so that pregnant women were also less exposed to pathogens," says Irwin Reiss of Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital.
Prevent premature birth
The scientists examined data from more than 1.5 million babies born between October 2010 and July 2020. It concerns anonymous data from the heel prick screening that the RIVM made available. During this screening, blood is taken shortly after birth to check for serious or exceptional diseases. It is also noted how long the pregnancy lasted.
The decline in preterm births was also noted at hospitals in neighboring countries. Work is now underway on an international investigation into the causes. For example, researchers will examine whether more rest during the lockdown and less air pollution (because fewer cars on the road) were also of influence.
Reiss is pleased with the confirmation that outside influences seem to play a role in premature births. "If we gain insight into causes, we may be able to do more to prevent premature birth."
"Less bacteria and viruses"
After the week of 9 March, researchers at Erasmus MC saw a decrease in the group of babies born two to eight weeks prematurely. On that date, the cabinet announced that people had to stop shaking hands. Prime Minister Rutte also recommended washing hands more often and better, and sneezing in the elbow.
The decrease may be related to the announcement of the cabinet. "By improving hand hygiene and by no longer shaking hands, less bacteria and viruses were exchanged, so that pregnant women were also less exposed to pathogens," says Irwin Reiss of Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital.
Prevent premature birth
The scientists examined data from more than 1.5 million babies born between October 2010 and July 2020. It concerns anonymous data from the heel prick screening that the RIVM made available. During this screening, blood is taken shortly after birth to check for serious or exceptional diseases. It is also noted how long the pregnancy lasted.
The decline in preterm births was also noted at hospitals in neighboring countries. Work is now underway on an international investigation into the causes. For example, researchers will examine whether more rest during the lockdown and less air pollution (because fewer cars on the road) were also of influence.
Reiss is pleased with the confirmation that outside influences seem to play a role in premature births. "If we gain insight into causes, we may be able to do more to prevent premature birth."
