Fertility issues, IVF, conception, the pregnancy cycle, birth and postnatal care are critical areas supported by The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
Thanks to your donations, we are proud to be funding research that helps people have healthy families.
Pregnancy and Birth Support
Omega-3 blood screening is now part of routine care for all pregnant women in South Australia in order to prevent pre-term births, with plans to roll the program out nationally.
If a woman is low in omega-3, supplementation has been found to reduce the risk of birth before 37 weeks by 11%. When it comes to early preterm birth (babies who arrive before 34 weeks), supplementation reduced the rate by a considerable 42%.
For decades, sperm were seen as passive carriers of DNA, but emerging science is overturning that view. We now know that sperm also carry tiny molecules that sit outside of DNA, which appear to play a powerful role in guiding how an embryo develops in its earliest days and may influence a child’s health for years to come.
Researcher
Dr Nicole McPherson and team from Adelaide University are investigating male fertility and how a father’s health and sperm health at the time of conception shapes embryo development and influences a child’s long-term health and wellbeing.
Babies born before 37 weeks’ gestation are considered pre-term and at risk of health challenges because their organs and systems are not fully developed.
Researcher
Dr Thomas Sullivan from SAHMRI is looking at blood samples to find a fatty acid profile that brings the best health outcomes for premature babies, particularly in lowering their risk of developing lung disease and enhancing cognition.
Supporting the neonatal unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital deliver its lifesaving care that saves lives, like Ava’s story here.
Professor Shail Mehta’s ‘Healthy Start’ research project also aims to help women manage weight after pregnancy and prevent obesity patterns beginning at birth in their children.
Developing a non-invasive test using light to accurately assess whether an embryo is healthy during the IVF process, so more healthy embryos can be transferred leading to greater IVF success rates and less miscarriages and grief for families.
Dr Kylie Dunning is driving this world-first research to help more women have successful pregnancies.
Developing new technology which can diagnose preeclampsia quickly and more accurately, via a finger prick device.
Researcher
Dr Duy Phu Tran says current tests are complex and can take up to 24 hours – time that is critical when dealing with the health of an unborn baby.
Progressing research on understanding why some women develop low breast milk supply and developing better medications for treating low breast milk supply in mothers.
Providing training to rural and remote doctors and midwives as part of our ‘Healthy Newborn Project’ so they can administer ultrasounds on pregnant mothers and babies in regional communities.
This has been hugely beneficial in improving antenatal care in these communities, many of which didn’t have access to ultrasound services at all before this training.
Investigating ways to predict and prevent pre-eclampsia, a common pregnancy complication which can cause organ failure, blood clotting, restricted growth of the baby and even death in mother and baby.
About 3–4% of all pregnant women in Australia develop pre-eclampsia.
Undertaking a clinical trial to determine whether a baby’s lack of exposure to peanuts and eggs in the womb and via breastmilk increases their chances of developing an allergy to those foods.
The trial will help many local families, including Chelsea and Matt Schiller (pictured), who have a lifetime of worry ahead about their 16-month-old daughter Madison’s nut and egg allergies.
Investigating how chronic pelvic pain develops in endometriosis to help identify new treatments for women to improve their pain and prevent devastating infertility issues.
Researcher
Jessica Maddern is analysing samples taken from endometriosis patients to determine the key pain signalling pathways, to then hopefully develop more effective treatments.
Helping newborn babies thrive and avoid complications through the purchase of two lifesaving infant warmers, called ‘panda warmers’ for Lyell McEwin Hospital’s maternity ward.
The panda warmers track the baby’s progress and provides heat, records temperature, oxygen saturation levels, heartbeat and weight. It also has the capability of providing emergency oxygen and resuscitation if needed.
Continuing to refine the optimal iron treatments needed for pregnant women who are iron deficient to ensure the safety and long-term outcome of both mother and baby.
Researcher
Dr Natalie Aboustate says the analysis will allow the team to characterise various aspects of iron metabolism during and after pregnancy, much of which is currently unknown.
Offering a unique follow-up clinic for women at Lyell McEwin Hospital who had a complication during pregnancy, who are now at higher risk of developing premature heart disease before the age of 55.
Researcher
Dr Emily Aldridge helps run the service for women who have experienced serious complications, like high blood pressure and diabetes, during pregnancy.
Developing new prevention and treatment strategies for postpartum vaginal and perineal infections.
Researcher
Dr Amy Holmes is investigating the use of novel antiseptic and probiotic creams to reduce infections and promote wound healing.
