PhD student authors new 'Pregnancy and Exercise' Fact Sheet for Aussie women

Published:20 October 2014

CQUni PhD student Mel Hayman's professional profile is growing thanks to her 'pregnancy and exercise' research and recommendations.

 CQUniversity PhD student Mel Hayman has been acknowledged for her role authoring Sports Medicine Australia's Pregnancy and Exercise Fact Sheet, published this week.

"When I first started my PhD studies I could only dream of being given an opportunity like this, to produce a Fact Sheet which will provide Australian pregnant sportswomen with specific guidance and advice and therefore more confidence to exercise," Ms Hayman said. 

"While pregnant women do have to avoid contact sports and high impact sports, there are currently NO known adverse risks associated with meeting the recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week."

The Fact Sheet was developed with support from the Victorian Department of Transport, Planning and Infrastructure. It was launched by Victoria's Minister for Sport and Recreation Damian Drum, who said the latest batch of SMA Fact Sheets draw on the latest research and best practice recommendations. They include:

*Nutrition for active women
*Exercise for young women
*Exercise for women over 50
*Bone health for active women
*Pregnancy and exercise
 
SMA Victoria Executive Officer Lynne Sheehan said research showed that many Australian women fail to meet the recommended minimum guidelines for physical activity.

"It is critical we are encouraging and supporting ... women to become more active and make healthier lifestyle choices," Ms Sheehan said.

Details:  http://www.smartplay.com.au/imagelibrary/sma_awis_pregnancy___exercise.pdf