Pushing for change: a qualitative study of the experiences of elite athletes during pregnancy

Abstract

ObjectivesAthletes train and compete at the elite level during their reproductive years, yet sport policies that support pregnant athletes are lacking. The experiences of elite athletes during pregnancy are vastly under-represented, and such voices are needed to support evidence-informed policy. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experiences of elite female athletes as they navigate pregnancy, and to identify sport policy considerations regarding participation during pregnancy.MethodsTwenty athletes (mean age 35±5 years) who, within the last 5 years, had trained or competed at the elite level immediately prior to becoming pregnant were included. Data were generated via one-on-one semistructured interviews that were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through a process of content analysis.ResultsThe findings of this study are represented by one overarching message: mother versus athlete, and five main themes: (1) pregnancy planning and fertility, (2) pregnancy disclosure and discrimination, (3) training pregnant athletic bodies, (4) safety concerns, and (5) supportive network and equitable funding.ConclusionIn-depth stories shared by participants highlight the many significant decisions athletes must make as they navigate pregnancy alongside elite sport participation. The shared experiences of pregnant athletes highlight clear challenges that should be considered in the development of sport policy and practices that are inclusive and supportive of female athletes.

We’re not Superhuman, We’re Human: A Qualitative Description of Elite Athletes’ Experiences of Return to Sport After Childbirth

“…For instance, qualitative research with competitive recreational athlete mothers described the various cultural (e.g., the cultural norm that a “good” mother prioritizes her child over herself), personal (e.g., attempting to balance motherhood, work and sport with a limited amount of time), and social (e.g., childcare, emotional support to engage in sport) barriers that impact sport participation [ 11 ]. Similar findings have been noted in research that has documented the in-depth experiences of elite athletes who returned to elite-level sport following childbirth [ 1 , 3 , 12 – 16 ]. In their research with elite distance runners, Appleby and Fisher [ 14 ] described how athletes who returned to competition after pregnancy experienced a transformative process in which they negotiated social stereotypes related to motherhood alongside their athletic identities [ 14 ].…”

“…We and others have previously described that many athletes worry that their decision to become a mother can permanently derail their athletic career [ 1 , 4 ]. Indeed, our athletes described a wide variety of experiences from personal best performances, to months and years plagued by injury and stress.…”

“…This research is part of a larger project that is broadly focused on exploring and describing the experiences of athletes as they navigate pregnancy and their return to sport postpartum. We have previously reported on athletes’ experiences of elite sport during pregnancy [ 1 ]. Themes, and the supporting data, that represent participants’ experiences as they navigated return-to-sport following pregnancy are reported in the current study.…”

“…Although dozens of Olympians have competed while pregnant or postpartum in the subsequent years, motherhood is generally viewed by the public as incompatible with elite sport. We previously reported on the challenges facing elite athletes who trained and competed during pregnancy [ 1 ]. Yet, the postpartum period, from immediately after delivery until the infant is 12 months of age, [ 2 ] is a critical window of time; women face unique physiological, mental and emotional challenges include a lack of sleep, increased stress and fatigue, and new or persistent medical issues.…”

Gender-specific psychosocial stressors influencing mental health among women elite and semielite athletes: a narrative review

“…In the absence of a supportive organisational culture, women athletes report worry about disclosing pregnancy due to fear of being viewed as not dedicated to their sport, and therefore, delay disclosing this information until late in pregnancy. In contrast, this work reported that organisations with clear policies and regulations about the financial support for women athletes including eligibility requirements enabled athletes to make informed family planning decisions 50…”