The theme for this conference is: 

Birth Matters: Rethinking Quality, Equity, and Women’s Health

Abstract submissions may relate to research about any part of the perinatal continuum, including pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. We invite abstracts for posters, oral presentations, symposia or workshop presentations. Whilst our focus is physiological labour and birth, we are also keen to receive abstracts about research designed to optimise positive labour and birth experiences more generally. Research into staff wellbeing, models of care, workplace culture, staff retention and staff support is also welcome, given the pressures on global maternity systems. Program themes include:

1. Physiological Labour and Birth: Nature, Outcomes & Safe Optimisation

Research examining the physiological processes of labour and birth, associated outcomes, and evidence-informed strategies to support and optimise physiological birth safely.

2. Quality of Care, Safety Standards & Models of Maternity Services

Research on service organisation, safety, midwifery-led and continuity models, and strategies that strengthen high-quality perinatal care.

3. Equity, Inclusion & Social Determinants Shaping Birth Experiences

Studies examining inequities, structural and social determinants, and approaches that promote equitable and culturally safe maternity care.

4. Perinatal Continuum & Women’s Health Across the Lifespan

Work exploring women’s health across pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period, framed within broader lifespan and preventive perspectives.

5. Person-Centered Communication, Relational Care & Empowering Birth Practices

Research on communication, relational care processes, shared decision-making, autonomy, and factors supporting empowering birth experiences.

6. Research Approaches, Methods, Technology & Innovation in Perinatal Care

Studies on methodologies, big data, digital health, telemedicine, AI, and technological innovations advancing perinatal research and practice.

7. Staff Wellbeing, Workplace Culture, Leadership & Workforce Sustainability

Evidence addressing staff wellbeing, burnout, retention, leadership, and organisational factors shaping a sustainable maternity workforce.

8. Creativity, Knowledge Exchange & Shared Wisdom in Labour and Birth

Contributions using creative, experiential, or arts-based approaches to deepen understanding of labour, birth, and maternity cultures.

8. Education, Training & Capacity Building for Physiological Labour and Birth

Research on educational strategies, training models, and skill development supporting physiological labour and birth.

10. Implementation Strategies, Practice Change & Real-World Application

Studies on translating evidence into practice, implementation processes, service adoption, and real-world impact on maternity care.