Thank You for Attending SOMANZ ASM 2026

The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) Annual Scientific Meeting was held from 16–18 October 2026 at voco Brisbane, bringing together clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals to explore the theme ‘Pregnancy Brain – Beyond Hormones’.

Held in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, overlooking the Brisbane River, the conference featured an engaging and thought-provoking program, including our distinguished international keynote speaker, Dr Lucy MacKillop, General, Renal and Obstetric Physician from Oxford, UK. Dr MacKillop shared her expertise in obstetric medicine, including the management of preeclampsia and hypertension during pregnancy and beyond.

The 2026 conference theme, “Pregnancy Brain,” moved beyond the colloquial notion of gestational “brain fog” to examine the effects of neurobiological and psychosocial pathophysiology on maternal health. The program explored how pregnancy provides a unique window into short- and long-term brain health, highlighting conditions requiring nuanced, multidisciplinary care.

Reflecting SOMANZ's commitment to collaborative, evidence-based practice, the program brought together expertise across obstetric medicine, neurology, infectious diseases, psychiatry, psychology, pharmacology and public health.

Key topics explored included:

• Preeclampsia and future brain health – understanding cerebrovascular implications and long-term neurocognitive risk

• Epilepsy in pregnancy – optimising maternal seizure control while balancing fetal safety

• Maternal infections and neurological sequelae – acute management and longer-term implications

• Psychiatric illness in pregnancy – contemporary management of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder in complex obstetric patients

• Eating disorders in maternity care – recognition, risk mitigation and multidisciplinary management

• Best-practice principles in weight-inclusive maternity care – reducing bias while improving clinical outcomes

• Navigating neurodiversity in pregnancy and breastfeeding – practical approaches to supporting autistic and ADHD patients in obstetric settings

The multidisciplinary program provided valuable opportunities for obstetric physicians, obstetricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, general physicians, general practitioners, perinatal researchers, midwives and allied health professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.

Thank you to all our delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and supporters who contributed to the success of SOMANZ ASM 2026.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us in Brisbane and helped make the meeting an engaging, insightful and rewarding experience.

We look forward to seeing you at future SOMANZ events!

SOMANZ ASM 2026 Local Organising Committee