This Mum Moves - Maternal Health Equity in Motion

Celebrating continued collaboration between The iHV and iHV

The Active Pregnancy Foundation (APF) and the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) have been working together for more than five years to deliver the This Mum Moves (TMM) educational programme. The Institute is the APF’s official training partner, supporting the development of place-based leaders – known as This Mum Moves Ambassadors – who promote physical activity within their local communities and settings. 

On 8 October, the APF and iHV hosted the This Mum Moves Annual Networking Event, themed ‘Maternal Health Equity in Motion‘. The event brought together TMM Ambassadors from across the UK to share research, resources, and practical strategies to advance health equity in the perinatal period. 

Speakers and topics included: 

• Professor Hora Soltani, Sheffield Hallam University – Maternal Health Equity and Movement: Priorities, Barriers and Bridges in the Perinatal Period 

• Dr Danielle Schoenaker, University of Southampton – The Preconception Care Toolkit: Guidance to Support Pregnancy Planning and Preparation 

• Dr Lamia Zafrani, OBGYN – Active Pregnancy: My Journey and the Call for Maternal Equity 

• Beth Marriott, Sport in Mind – Sport in Mind’s Pregnancy and Postnatal Programme 

• Scott Radcliffe, Sport England – We Like the Way You Move 

  
  

As part of its work to address inequalities, the APF has been awarded over £250,000 of National Lottery funding through Sport England to tackle key systemic challenges in maternal physical activity. Current guidelines tend to focus on women with uncomplicated pregnancies and good baseline health. However, a significant gap remains in meeting the needs of women with disabilities, mental health challenges, or those at risk of long-term health conditions. These challenges are often compounded by socio-economic status, ethnicity, and geography, leaving many women underserved and facing barriers to staying active during pregnancy and the postnatal period. 

This investment aligns with Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, which recently launched “We Like the Way You Move”. The campaign takes an intersectional approach to promoting activity among diverse groups, including pregnant women, new mothers, Black communities, and South Asian Muslim women. Read more here. 

Updated Good Practice Point – Promoting physical activity during pregnancy and the period following childbirth

The APF and iHV are committed to highlighting the vital role of health visitors in supporting physical activity as part of maternal and family health. To complement this work, the Good Practice Point resource (available to iHV members and TMM Ambassadors)  – Promoting physical activity during pregnancy and the period following childbirth – has been updated to reflect the latest evidence, guidance, and examples of best practice. 

Physical activity during and after pregnancy is not only safe for most women but also offers significant benefits: improved mental wellbeing, enhanced cardiovascular fitness, and reduced risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain. As trusted professionals, health visitors are uniquely placed to support and encourage women to remain active during this important stage of life. 

Go to GPP - Promoting physical activity during pregnancy and the period following childbirth

• iHV members can access this updated GPP via the above link when logged into the iHV website.

• TMM Ambassadors who are not iHV members will need to log in to access via the TMM training resources on iHV LEARN.

  
  

This Mum Moves Ambassadors Training

Through this collaboration, iHV delivers the This Mum Moves training in partnership with subject matter experts at the APF to health visitors, allied health professionals, fitness and other professionals. Those completing the training become This Mum Moves Ambassadors, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to: 

1. Understand the evidence base for physical activity during and beyond pregnancy, including national guidelines; 

2. Promote physical activity effectively using the Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) guidance; 

3. Offer appropriate and timely advice, guidance, and signposting to trusted resources; 

4. Access and use tools to support conversations and engagement around physical activity; and 

5. Act as advocates for active, healthy lifestyles within their local areas. 

   
   

For more information about This Mum Moves Ambassador training, please click here or contact training@ihv.org.uk to register your interest.