Over half (57%) of pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of one have felt excluded or unwelcome when trying to be active. The research was conducted by Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign as part of its new chapter to ensure no woman is left behind from the world of sport and physical activity. It found that alongside feelings of exclusion, pregnant women and new mums from lower income backgrounds face a number of barriers to movement.

A scoping review of 21 UK studies found that many women are still not receiving the guidance they need—and when advice is given, it can be inconsistent, unclear, or focused heavily on risks rather than the many benefits of staying active. This can leave women feeling unsure, anxious, or even believing that physical activity during pregnancy is unsafe.But there’s positive news. The review provides clear, evidence-based recommendations to improve how these conversations happen.

The APF has partnered with Good Boost to co-develop pioneering digital aquatic exercise solutions for pregnant and postpartum women.

Our report highlights that pregnancy in itself is a barrier to women’s engagement in physical activities during the childbearing years.

The APF is interested in developing a national directory of activity providers offering opportunities to support women to stay active.

University of Portsmouth host 6th Women in Sport & Exercise Academic Network (WiSEAN) conference later this year in association with the APF

Move More for your Mental Health during pregnancy and beyond, find out more during our This Mum Moves Networking Event.

The APF releases a report on pregnant & postnatal women’s physical activity engagement, opportunities & resource during COVID-19 lockdowns.