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.
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
Enable us to fund innovative research and vital support services
What’s new at WIRF
Stay up to date on our latest research breakthroughs, community initiatives, events and ways to get involved.
A community woven together by yarn, kindness and care
The Knitting for Newborns campaign brought together knitters, volunteers, families and supporters from across Western Australia in a celebration of compassion and community. Through handmade gifts, essential donations and fundraising efforts, the campaign helped support vulnerable mothers and babies while highlighting the lasting difference that small acts of kindness can make.
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Perth medical researchers working on artificial placentas for premature babies
For babies born way too early, the challenges are huge. Their lungs are not well developed, their skin is very fragile and they are far from ready to face the outside world. A WIRF research project is working on trying to help those babies through building an artificial placenta.
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