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The aim of this project is to determine whether or not turning a baby from the posterior position to the more common anterior position increases the chances of a normal birth. This involves performing an internal examination during labour and gently turning the baby as the mother pushes. At present, if the baby is in the posterior position (facing towards the front of the mother’s body) there is a higher risk of a caesarean, forceps or vacuum delivery.
Prevention Of Pre-term Birth By Treatment Of Periodontal Disease During Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$910,125.00
Summary
Premature birth is one of the major unsolved problems in human health and is the single greatest problem in reproduction. Decades of research that has focused on features of women's lives and their pregnancies have failed to impact on the frequency of this disorder. However, there now is exciting evidence that many cases of premature labour may result from inflammation arising from a source outside the uterus. The gums are considered a likely source of that inflammation. Inflammation of the gums ....Premature birth is one of the major unsolved problems in human health and is the single greatest problem in reproduction. Decades of research that has focused on features of women's lives and their pregnancies have failed to impact on the frequency of this disorder. However, there now is exciting evidence that many cases of premature labour may result from inflammation arising from a source outside the uterus. The gums are considered a likely source of that inflammation. Inflammation of the gums, or periodontal disease, is common and affects one in seven women of reproductive age in Australia. We have a good understanding of the potential mechanisms by which inflamed gums may cause problems in pregnancy by releasing chemicals into the blood stream. Many of these chemicals have powerful abilities to cause premature labour. Several studies have now shown that pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to deliver early. There has been one controlled study, published recently from Chile, which found that relatively simple treatment of gum disease reduced the rate of premature birth to one fifth that in the untreated group. This application is for funds to conduct a controlled study of treatment of gum disease in an Australian population aimed at reducing the rate of premature birth and other important complications of pregnancy. 5400 pregnant women will have a simple screening test of their gums and 1094 with gum disease will be invited to have treatment. Of these, half will be offered an oral health treatment program during mid- and late-pregnancy, while the other half will be offered similar treatment but after completion of the pregnancy. The treatments are straightforward, provided by hygienists under specialist supervision, and are suitable to be applied to the entire population of pregnant women if found to significantly reduce the rate of premature births.Read moreRead less
Dr Dodd a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist designing and evaluating clinical and health-based interventions in common adverse pregnancy conditions and their impact on maternal, infant and childhood health outcomes. Her major focus involves dietary and lifestyle interventions for women who are overweight and obese during pregnancy, to improve maternal, infant and childhood health.
Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Doppler To Time Second And Subsequent Fetal Transfusions For Red Cell Alloimmunisation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$449,585.00
Summary
Blood group incompatability between a mother and her unborn baby can result in the production of antibodies that can damage the baby's red blood cells, causing anaemia. Treatment involves a procedure to transfuse blood to the baby while in the mother's uterus, which often needs to be repeated several times during a pregnancy. This randomised trial will assess if an ultrasound examination can be used to time second or subsequent fetal transfusions, and the impact this has on infant health.
Christine Roberts’ research program uses the most advanced research methods to address new challenges in maternal and child health in a portfolio that extends from bench-to-bedside-to-policy. Four interrelated themes target: accurate identification of at-risk pregnancies; maternity care requirements to improve outcomes in future pregnancies; clinical trials to provide best evidence for obstetric practice; and an improved ability to respond rapidly to emerging issues in policy and practice.
I am a perinatal epidemiologist and public health physician working in pregnancy and child birth research to improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies. My research encompasses the use of population health data to evaluate perinatal health a
Metformin And Dietary Advice To Improve Insulin Sensitivity And Promote Gestational Restriction Of Weight In Pregnant Women Who Are Obese: The GRoW Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,710,437.00
Summary
Obesity is a significant health issue during pregnancy and childbirth associated with well documented risks. Women who are obese commence pregnancy in a state of increased insulin resistance, the altered metabolic and inflammatory environment providing an excess of nutrients, and a stimulus to fetal growth. The aims of the GRoW randomised trial are to evaluate the effects of metformin and dietary advice to improve insulin sensitivity in obese pregnant women on health outcomes.