Rural women and pregnancy complications: Latest research from the Bendigo Family Study

This week researchers from the Bendigo Family Study presented at PSANZ 2026. This is the largest research conference focusing on perinatal health in Australia and New Zealand.
Research student Madeleine Carman presented on the impact of common pregnancy complications in rural women. Her research addressed both quantitative and qualitative outcomes.  The key results were that 31%, 28%, 11%, 87%, 69% 65% and 69% of women experienced constipation, itch, headaches, nausea/vomiting, back/pelvic pain, fatigue, and urinary difficulties that were a moderate or major concern in their pregnancy.
​In thematic analysis, the main themes emerging about their constipation symptoms were of pain, discomfort supplements and the need for  laxatives. The main themes around itch concerns were location, consequences and associated skin conditions. The main concerns around headache were migraines and safe use of medications. The main nausea/vomiting themes were duration, severity and social factors. The main back/pelvic pain themes were pain severity, radiation, impact on sleep and mobility. The main fatigue themes were impact, snoring, nocturia and inter-relationship with other symptoms. The main urinary themes were frequency, nocturia and incontinence.
Ms Madeleine Carman concluded: "The minor maladies of pregnancy affected most women and caused moderate or major concern. Further attention should be paid to education and management."
Professor Julie Quinlivan  stated:  "We are pleased to highlight the needs of rural women in pregnancy so we can help to improve the delivery of maternity services."

Professor Julie Quinlivan
Chief investigator