Pregnancy and conception

WIRF is committed to improving reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and maternal care through cutting-edge research. From understanding the earliest stages of conception to enhancing care during labour and birth, our research explores innovative ways to support families on their journey to parenthood.

Explore our Research

The Raine Study
One of our key research contributions is through investment in The Raine Study, one of the world’s longest-running pregnancy and birth cohort studies. This landmark project has provided invaluable insights into how early-life exposures – before and during pregnancy – can influence lifelong health outcomes. By examining factors such as genetics, nutrition, and environmental influences, The Raine Study continues to shape policies and interventions that improve pregnancy and child health.
Innovative approaches to reproductive and maternal health
WIRF supports innovative approaches to reproductive and maternal health, including research into the impact of diet on male reproductive health, research into melatonin supplementation to reduce the induction of labour rate in first-time mothers, and research into new ways to improve emergency birth training.

The Raine Study

One of our key research contributions is through investment in The Raine Study, one of the world’s longest-running pregnancy and birth cohort studies. This landmark project has provided invaluable insights into how early-life exposures – before and during pregnancy – can influence lifelong health outcomes. By examining factors such as genetics, nutrition, and environmental influences, The Raine Study continues to shape policies and interventions that improve pregnancy and child health.

Innovative approaches to reproductive and maternal health

WIRF supports innovative approaches to reproductive and maternal health, including research into the impact of diet on male reproductive health, research into melatonin supplementation to reduce the induction of labour rate in first-time mothers, and research into new ways to improve emergency birth training.

Pregnancy and conception projects

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What’s new at WIRF

Stay up to date on our latest research breakthroughs, community initiatives, events and ways to get involved.

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News 4 mins read

Ladies Long Table Lunch raises $32,000 for women’s and infants health research

The second annual Ladies Long Table Lunch, held at Hillarys Yacht Club as part of the Hillarys Boat Show on Friday 20 March, has raised an outstanding $32,000 in support of WIRF.

News 2 mins read

WIRF partners with Safewill to offer free Wills during Charity Wills Week

The Women and Infants Research Foundation has partnered with Safewill to offer people the opportunity to write a free, legally binding Will during Charity Wills Week.

News 3 mins read

Hannah Watson awarded PhD scholarship to advance safer, more personalised care for premature babies

Emerging researcher Hannah Watson has been awarded a University of Western Australia PhD scholarship, with additional top-up funding from WIRF, to undertake research aimed at improving outcomes for babies born too early.

News 1 min read

WIRF to invest $500,000 in research through 2026 Research Acceleration Awards

Monday 2 March 2026 - Applications are officially open for the WIRF 2026 Research Acceleration Awards, a major funding initiative supporting Western Australian researchers to advance breakthroughs in women’s, maternal, and newborn health.