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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.

Pregnancy and conception

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.

Mother and child raine study
Raine study supporting

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.

Reproductive maternal health
Reproductive maternal health supporting

Pregnancy and conception projects

    Prevention of preterm birth main

    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.

    From premature baby to paediatrician: Jamie’s journey comes full circle
    News 6 mins read

    From premature baby to paediatrician: Jamie’s journey comes full circle

    Thirty-three years ago, Jamie Hullick was welcomed into this world six weeks early. He spent his first few weeks of life in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Royal Darwin Hospital. Today, he walks those same corridors - this time in scrubs, caring for premature and sick babies as a paediatrician.

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    WIRF welcomes new Board Chair, Tanya Brown
    News 4 mins read

    WIRF welcomes new Board Chair, Tanya Brown

    WIRF is delighted to welcome Tanya Brown as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.

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    World-first ECMO breakthrough offers hope for preterm babies under 2kg
    News 2 mins read

    World-first ECMO breakthrough offers hope for preterm babies under 2kg

    A new study has demonstrated for the first time the successful use of a pump-free ECMO (extracorporeal membranous oxygenation) system in premature lambs weighing under 2kg.

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    WIRF named WA State Winner in 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards
    News 2 mins read

    WIRF named WA State Winner in 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards

    WIRF has been named the Western Australian State Winner in the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards, recognised for its outstanding impact on the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and families.

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