The Effect Of Iron Supplementation In Pregnancy On Child Cognitive Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,562.00
Summary
During fetal life the brain grows very rapidly and animal studies have shown that inadequate iron nutrition of mothers during pregnancy can result in permanent structural and developmental problems in the offspring. Although this has not been examined in human infants, new studies suggest that the iron stores of the mother in pregnancy are an important determinant of the baby's iron stores during the first year of life. It may be that the critical period where iron nutrition influences later dev ....During fetal life the brain grows very rapidly and animal studies have shown that inadequate iron nutrition of mothers during pregnancy can result in permanent structural and developmental problems in the offspring. Although this has not been examined in human infants, new studies suggest that the iron stores of the mother in pregnancy are an important determinant of the baby's iron stores during the first year of life. It may be that the critical period where iron nutrition influences later development is in fetal life (during pregnancy). We have the opportunity to test whether iron nutrition in fetal life influences childhood development by assessing the cognitive abilities of children who were in our earlier study of iron supplementation in pregnancy. Our aim is to assess the children at 4 years to determine if iron nutrition in pregnancy predicts development. This may change the dietary advice we give pregnant women to ensure they give their babies the best start in life.Read moreRead less
The Effects Of Dietary And Lifestyle Interventions Among Pregnant Women Who Are Overweight Or Obese On Longer-term Maternal And Early Childhood Outcomes: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,317.00
Summary
Obesity affects 50% of pregnant women, and is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. In the longer-term, maternal obesity predicts high infant birth weight and future child obesity. We will combine and analyse randomised controlled trial data available world-wide through an individual participant data meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of antenatal dietary intervention among women who are overweight or obese on longer-term maternal and child health.
Improving Management Of Mastitis In Breastfeeding Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$177,197.00
Summary
Mastitis is a painful breast infection experienced by 1 in 5 breastfeeding women. However, management of this common condition is often not evidence-based and women may receive inappropriate antibiotics and may not receive appropriate investigations. This project will be an intervention at four emergency departments aimed at improving clinicians' management of mastitis. The aim is to improve women's satisfaction with their experience of mastitis and reduce unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding.
Obesity During Pregnancy: How Can We Improve Health Outcomes For Women, Infants And Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,449.00
Summary
Obesity is a common issue facing Australian women and has a role to play in health in pregnancy, birth and later life for the woman and her children. Providing interventions for better health during pregnancy is likely to be an important factor in improving outcomes for a woman and her infant, both at the time of pregnancy and in later life.
Strategies To Increase Breastfeeding Duration In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$285,870.00
Summary
I am a general practitioner and lactation consultant with expertise in breastfeeding research and practice. I am an international expert in nipple and breast pain in breastfeeding women, and have published widely on other clinical topics, including medications for breastfeeding women; also breastfeeding rates and factors associated with lower rates, such as maternal smoking, obesity and low-income. This fellowship allows me to look at ways to improve breastfeeding rates in Australia and to impro ....I am a general practitioner and lactation consultant with expertise in breastfeeding research and practice. I am an international expert in nipple and breast pain in breastfeeding women, and have published widely on other clinical topics, including medications for breastfeeding women; also breastfeeding rates and factors associated with lower rates, such as maternal smoking, obesity and low-income. This fellowship allows me to look at ways to improve breastfeeding rates in Australia and to improve the experience for women and their families.Read moreRead less
Understanding Current And Future Opportunities To Promote Healthy Maternal Weight During Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,620.00
Summary
The PhD will document clinical management of maternal weight gain during and post pregnancy, across a range of antenatal care providers and deliver a nine month pilot intervention study for first time mothers, aimed at reducing post pregnancy weight retention and promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviours. Findings from this PhD will inform important future development of healthy weight interventions across the reproductive years.
Maternal Health Study (phase 2): Longitudinal 4-year Follow-up Of A Prospective Nulliparous Pregnancy Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,402.00
Summary
The burden of disease among women after childbirth is substantial, under-recognised by health professionals, and symptoms do not necessarily resolve within the first 12 months. Common health problems after childbirth include: chronic exhaustion, back pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, perineal pain, sexual health issues and intimate partner violence. This study will extend follow-up of over 1500 women taking part in a longitudinal study investigating the physical and psychological health of ....The burden of disease among women after childbirth is substantial, under-recognised by health professionals, and symptoms do not necessarily resolve within the first 12 months. Common health problems after childbirth include: chronic exhaustion, back pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, perineal pain, sexual health issues and intimate partner violence. This study will extend follow-up of over 1500 women taking part in a longitudinal study investigating the physical and psychological health of women during pregnancy and the first 18 months after the birth of their first child. In phase 2 of the study, women will be followed up 6 and 12 months after second and subsequent births, and 4 years after the birth of their first child. A major aim of phase 2 of the study is to assess the prevalence, incidence, onset, severity, duration, recurrence and chronicity of maternal health problems (including urinary and faecal incontinence, perineal pain, sexual health issues, depression and intimate partner violence) after second and subsequent births, and 4 years after giving birth to a first child. The study will also determine the extent to which the method of birth in the first birth influences longer-term maternal health outcomes including urinary and faecal incontinence, and investigate the implications of chronic and recurring physical health problems for women's psychological health and well-being. Information on the incidence and natural history of maternal health problems after caesarean and operative vaginal births will make a major international contribution to more informed debate among clinicians, and to informing women, about the risks and benefits of increasing caesarean births. The study findings will be used to inform clinical midwifery, obstetric and primary care practice, and assist in the design of new early intervention and primary care strategies for supporting women in the early years of parenting.Read moreRead less
Uncovering The Hidden Impacts And Costs Of Exposure To Intimate Partner Violence In Childhood: A 20-year Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,595,473.00
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and adverse childhood experiences are common, and cluster within families. This longitudinal study will improve understanding of intergenerational impacts and costs of IPV and provide evidence regarding strategies that may reduce the risk of poor mental health in adult life for the more than 1 in 3 Australian children growing up in households where IPV is occurring.
STan Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring (cardiotocographic Plus Electrocardiographic) Compared With Cardiotocographic (CTG) Monitoring Alone: An Australian Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,369.00
Summary
Women in high risk labour have their babies monitored by electronic fetal monitoring. This detects unborn babies not coping during labour, but may lead to unnecessary caesarean sections by incorrectly indicating that the baby is at risk. We will compare CTG to STan monitoring, which may give fewer false readings. We will show if STan reduces emergency caesarean section, and will investigate the impact on the baby, assess psychological aspects such as mental health and wellbeing, and costs.