Background: Migrant women may experience differences in pregnancy outcomes and maternity care compared with non-migrant women. Current literature lacks information on the broader patterns and determinants of maternal health in migrant communities in Western Australia. In particular, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the overall maternal experience including how migrant women engage with the maternity healthcare services, make decisions about their pregnancy care and their experiences in the period after childbirth.

Aim: This study aims to investigate whether differences exist in pregnancy outcomes—including maternal, antenatal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes—between migrant and non-migrant women who give birth at a tertiary hospital in Western Australia. It also seeks to explore women’s experiences of pregnancy care and identify barriers that may be encountered during pregnancy care.

Methods: The study intends to combine data collected at Fiona Stanley Hospital through the Perinatal Maternity (STORK) database and medical records (Digital Medical Records) and iSoft Clinical as well as through semi-structured participant surveys. 

Significance: This study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of migrant women’s pregnancy outcomes as well as the factors influencing their experiences during pregnancy and their access to maternity care. The findings will inform recommendations to support more equitable and culturally responsive maternity care practices and may be applicable to other tertiary care settings across Australia.

Key Features of the Research:

• Focus on maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes

• Integration of clinical data and women’s lived experiences

• Strong equity and health services perspective

• Direct relevance to policy, practice and service improvement

Vismaya Gireesan Nair is a health sciences graduate with Honours and currently a PhD candidate in Reproductive Medicine. She is passionate about improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes through evidence-based research. Her academic background is complemented by experience in medical administration, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both frontline healthcare operations and the research that drives policy and practice. She brings strong skills in data analysis, academic writing, and stakeholder engagement, and is committed to contributing to impactful, equity-focused healthcare solutions.