Current trials and studies in preterm birth and pregnancy complications – better outcomes for mother’s, babies and families

Please join us for the Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA) forum on Current trials and studies in preterm birth and pregnancy complications – better outcomes for mother’s, babies and families. This forum is held in conjunction with our partner organisation SAHMRI Women and Kids.

At SAHMRI Women and Kids, our purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children and families through world class, applied clinical and public health research.

OUR SPEAKERS

Dr Karen Best, SAHMRI Women and Kids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Prevention of Preterm Birth

To reduce preterm birth, we have embedded an Omega-3 Test-and-Treat Program into routine pregnancy screening in South Australia, aligning with updated Pregnancy Care guidelines. Since 2021, >23,000 women have accessed omega-3 testing and tailored advice. Expanding this program is vital to improving outcomes and reducing preterm birth rates in our community.

Karen Best (RN/RM/PhD) leads the ‘Pregnancy and Newborn Health’ research program at SAHMRI Women and Kids. A midwife and experienced researcher, she leads the statewide implementation of the Omega-3 Test-and-Treat Program, integrated into routine antenatal care to prevent preterm birth. With extensive expertise in midwifery and large-scale clinical trials, Dr Best has engaged over 20,000 participants in landmark studies, including the ORIP Trial, which informed international guidelines. Her work focuses on optimising maternal and newborn health by addressing prenatal exposures, advancing evidence-based care, and promoting better health outcomes for women and babies.

Professor Tim Green, Flinders University / SAHMRI Women and Kids

Optimising Prenatal Folic Acid Supplementation to Promote Best Outcomes for Mum and Child: The Folic Acid in Gestation Trial

Women should take folic acid (FA) supplements before and during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. These birth defects occur in the first month of pregnancy, yet most Australian Women continue to take FA throughout pregnancy. Observational studies suggest both risks and benefits of continuing FA throughout pregnancy on maternal and child health. To clarify the risks and benefits, 2,800 pregnant women are being randomised to continue or cease taking FA after the first trimester. Several health outcomes will be assessed, starting with gestational diabetes, where the need for evidence is urgently needed.  Funded by the Women & Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Tim Green is a Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Flinders University and a Principal Research Fellow at SAHMRI Women and Kids. His research centres on the importance of micronutrients during critical life stages, including pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, lactation, and early life (the first 1,000 days). His studies have been conducted in Australia, Canada, and several low-income countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. His team aims to better define micronutrient requirements during pregnancy and early life through randomized controlled trials to optimize maternal and child health outcomes.

Dr Emily Shepherd, SAHMRI Women and Kids / Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide

Magnesium sulphate for cerebral palsy prevention

Magnesium sulphate prior to very preterm birth is one of only two proven prevention strategies for cerebral palsy – the most common physical disability in childhood. Emily will provide an overview of the evidence supporting this treatment, and describe ongoing efforts to ‘close research gaps,’ to maximise its life-changing benefits.

Emily Shepherd is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leadership Fellow in the Women and Kids Theme at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. She is an Affiliate Senior Lecturer within the Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide. Her current fellowship focuses on ‘Preterm birth and neurodevelopment: improving long-term outcomes.’

Ms Karen Glover and Ms Beth Kean, SAHMRI Women and Kids

Innovative approaches to supporting Aboriginal families: Insights from Corka Bubs to ICARE

Corka Bubs is a co-designed feasibility and acceptability study using an enhanced antenatal care package across Aboriginal birthing programs in Adelaide. The aim is to understand, and reduce harm associated with cannabis use, alcohol use and social stress among pregnant Aboriginal people and their families. ICARE builds on the learnings and relationships in Corka Buba, providing opportunity to connect with pregnant women using a trauma informed program to create relationships fostered with trust and transparency.

Karen Glover is a Principal Research Fellow and the Co-Leader of the Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA) within the SAHMRI Women and Kids theme. She is a Mein:tnk woman from southeast South Australia and also from the Wotjobaluk nation in northwest Victoria.  Karen is active on a variety of projects that focus on strong, healthy Indigenous communities.

Beth Kean is the co-program manager of the ICARE program. A non-Indigenous woman from Meanjin (Brisbane, QLD), she now proudly lives and works on Kaurna land. With over a decade of experience at SAHMRI, Beth has built a strong foundation in research operations management, contributing significantly to the Women and Kids Clinical Trials team. In 2023, she joined the Aboriginal Community and Families Health Research Alliance team, where she continues to advocate for equitable health opportunities for community.

OUR CHAIR

Professor Alice Rumbold, SAHMRI Women and Kids

Alice Rumbold is a perinatal epidemiologist and Leader of the Women and Kids Theme of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), located within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide. The Theme has more than 60 staff and students undertaking clinical trials and implementation studies focussed on improving maternal and neonatal care practices, improving perinatal nutrition and addressing social health issues in the early life years.

Other event information:

Networking and light refreshments will follow the session from 7.00pm.

This is a public forum and also open to the community, everyone is welcome to attend.