Population-based Data Linkage To Investigate The Health And Development Of Children Born After IVF
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,972.00
Summary
In Australia 1 in 25 births are conceived from IVF treatment and this is increasing. My research program will use a comprehensive set of linked population data to address key questions in the IVF field following major changes to IVF practice in the last decade. This research (examining fetal growth, birth defects, intellectual disability and school achievement) has the potential to influence clinical practice and will greatly improve the information available for pre-treatment counselling.
Recent Changes In IVF Clinical Practice: Data Linkage To Investigate Their Impact On Fetal Growth And Birth Defects.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$219,076.00
Summary
In Australia 1 in 25 births are conceived from IVF treatment and this is increasing with the continuing trend towards later childbearing. This study will use linked population data to assess fetal growth and birth defects in IVF-conceived children following major changes to IVF practice in the last decade. There are limited data internationally on health outcomes following the use of more recent IVF techniques and insufficient data to allow for adequate pre-treatment counselling.
Prospective Study Of Birth Defects From Fetotoxic Agents In The Public Water Supply
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$732,036.00
Summary
Recent research in Australia & internationally shows that birth defects are more common in areas where mothers are exposed to poor quality drinking water, particularly when treatment chemicals known as trihalomethanes (THMs) are present. We will determine the risk that high THM levels pose to unborn babies by accurately measuring individual exposures to THMs & correlating these with adverse birth outcomes. The study will be in Perth where THM levels are very high in a number of suburbs.
Investigating The Association Between Incarceration While Pregnant And Maternal And Infant Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,500.00
Summary
The number of women incarcerated within Australian prisons has doubled over the last ten years. Prisons contain large numbers of women from Indigenous backgrounds, women with a mental illness, women with violent partners and women with substance abuse problems. As such they constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups within Australian society and their children are unlikely to experience a healthy start to life. At any one time around 5-10% of women inside Australian prisons are pregnant. Th ....The number of women incarcerated within Australian prisons has doubled over the last ten years. Prisons contain large numbers of women from Indigenous backgrounds, women with a mental illness, women with violent partners and women with substance abuse problems. As such they constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups within Australian society and their children are unlikely to experience a healthy start to life. At any one time around 5-10% of women inside Australian prisons are pregnant. There has been no Australian research into the effect incarceration has upon pregnant women or their babies. Some believe that women who are incarcerated during their pregnancy may have better outcomes as they are outside their normal milieu with restricted access to alcohol and illicit drugs and separated from abusive partners. Others argue that the stress of incarceration and separation from family and friends could result in poorer pregnancy outcomes. This study will investigate whether being imprisoned while pregnant results in better or worse pregnancy and birth outcomes for Australian women and their babies.Read moreRead less
The Australian Twin Registry (ATR) is a volunteer registry of over 30,000 twin pairs willing to consider participation in health research. This national resource was established in the 1980s with NHMRC support because twin studies play a unique, powerful role in research on the impact of genetic and environmental factors on health. Over 400 studies have benefited. The ATR seeks on-going funding to remain internationally competitive and meet increasing demand due to advances in genetic research.
I am an epidemiologist using record linkage to investigate the causes and consequences of developmental disabilities such as birth defects, intellectual disability and autism and to identify possibilities for their prevention and amelioration.