The importance of physical wellbeing for expectant mothers is key to a healthy pregnancy. From managing weight gain, morning sickness and staying active to the specific challenges of conditions like Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), this episode provides practical advice on how to support women throughout this incredible period of their lives.

In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Dr Susan de Jersey and Kassia Beetham.

Dr Susan de Jersey is and Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Credentialled Diabetes Educator at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Manager in the Prevention Strategy Branch within The Department of Health in Queensland and has an academic appointment as an Associate Professor in the Centre for Health Services Research at the University of Queensland. Susan and her team focus on ensuring women have access to wholistic care that supports their current and future health during the reproductive years.

Dr Kassia Beetham is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and the course coordinator for the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU’s Brisbane Campus.

Kassia’s research focusses on the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and how exercise can influence the mother and baby’s health. In particular, Kassia’s investigates the effects of higher intensity exercise on placental and foetal outcomes, the effect of resistance training on post-partum pelvic floor dysfunction, and the effects of higher intensity exercise in pregnant athletes.