The UK Chief Medical Officers published updated physical activity guidelines, including those for pregnant women and for women after childbirth: birth to 12months. Information alone rarely changes behaviour, that's why every infographic should be accompanied by a conversation.

We're excited to launch two new advisory groups: the MotherBoard and MotherBoard Pro, because we're serious about improving the health outcomes of women throughout their childbearing years. We'll be listening to the women living these experiences and learning from the professionals working alongside them.

At The APF, we’ve always believed in the power of movement during the childbearing years, not just for physical health, but for confidence, wellbeing, and connection. A recent case study from Greater Manchester Moving brings this to life, showing how midwives, when equipped with the right tools and knowledge, are more confident to initiate conversations about movement, and more consistent in the messages they share. More importantly, women feel it.

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.