Member Profile

Today’s member profile comes from Dr. Laura Gaudet, M.Sc., M.D., a perinatologist at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen’s University. Dr. Gaudet sits on the Reproductive Years; Preconception, Prenatal, and Postpartum Family Health Committee.

Dr. Gaudet is a perinatologist at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen’s University. Dr. Gaudet works closely with the research groups at Kingston Health Sciences Centre/Queen’s University and at Obstetrics & Maternal Newborn Investigations (OMNI) at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Her research interests are focused on the investigation of the effects of maternal obesity on health outcomes of mother, fetus, and child, prevention of preterm birth, and prevention of pre-eclampsia. She has been an active recruiter for OMNI–led clinical trials and has served as a clinical content expert for systematic reviews in the fields of preterm birth and excess weight in pregnancy. Dr. Gaudet has a special interest in weight bias in prenatal care administration.

Currently, approximately 15% of pregnant women in Ontario live with higher body weights, making obesity the most common pre-existing health condition seen in pregnancy. While pregnancy complications are not uncommon for heavier mothers, not all pregnancies are affected. Dr. Gaudet’s research team has been actively working to identify women at higher risk of pregnancy complications who may benefit from more intensive prenatal care from an obstetrician or maternal fetal medicine specialist. Women who are at lower risk could then be cared for in a “lower risk” setting. This research will lead to patients receiving the best care at the best time in the best place which will optimize prenatal outcomes while being economically responsible.

When not at work, Dr. Gaudet and her family shepherd a medium-sized flock of sheep for wool production and engage in slow food production and preparation on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario.

Dr. Laura Gaudet, MSc, MD

Position: Associate Professor

Current Appointments: