Eleven elite athletes have taken part in a study, sharing their experiences navigating pregnancy, to researchers from King’s College London. They expressed concerns about a lack of guidance for nutrition and training that complimented their athletic goals.
The participants said that pregnancy or family planning were reliant on timing around important events including the Olympics. One of the athletes said that she was focused on making the Olympics team. When the competition was delayed, her pregnancy plans were also affected.
There were also concerns about a career being affected after pregnancy, saying that they were reluctant to share their pregnancy with coaches, support staff, and teammates, fearing that they would be cut from the squad and even lose their financial position. An ability to conceive due to menstrual cycle irregularities and hormonal imbalances were also among the issues raised. Uncertainty over the impact of training on their health during pregnancy, as well as their child’s development, led to a reduction in training intensity, volume, and duration.
When discussing a return to sport, they said that they felt they were not being taken seriously, adding that there had been varied structural support. Specific advice for nutrition to support their training needs was another of the issues raised. In fact, the athletes found that support around nutritional advice was limited. Anti-doping approved folic acid supplements, which can be crucial during pregnancy, were difficult to find.
However, they did find support networks among the sporting community, helping to alleviate fear, doubt and guilt. But they said that stronger support networks were needed.
The research was conducted before an update to the 2023 UK Sports Pregnancy Guidelines. Preliminary findings informed aspects of the updates, especially over a lack of nutritional advice and anti-doping approved folic acid supplements.
But the research finds that challenges remain. Further research would be needed to determine if changes to those specific guidelines have made an impact.
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