Maternity and Elite Sport — A Framework for Supporting Athlete-Mothers

Executive Summary: Women athletes are increasingly choosing both elite careers and motherhood. Yet, the systems around them are often unprepared, lacking the necessary policies, medical guidance, and psychological support. This whitepaper outlines why maternity must be integrated into elite sport, the challenges faced, and actionable recommendations for clubs, federations, and athlete unions to ensure that female athletes can thrive both as mothers and competitors.

1. Why Maternity in Elite Sport Matters

• Pregnancy and postpartum recovery are significant physical, mental, and emotional events.

• The number of elite athletes choosing to have children while pursuing sport is growing.

• Without proper support, athletes face career risks, health risks, and emotional strain.

  
  

Key Insight: Maternity is not the end of an athlete's career. It requires structured, athlete-centered support for a safe return to performance.

2. Common Challenges Faced by Athlete-Mothers

A. Physical:

• Pelvic floor trauma, core weakness, hormonal shifts.

• Injury risk if returning too soon (ACL, pelvic injuries).

• Sleep deprivation impacting recovery and training capacity.

  
  

B. Psychological:

• Loss of athletic identity, fear of never returning to form.

• Pressure to "bounce back" quickly.

• Guilt around training and parenting balance.

  
  

C. Professional:

• Lack of maternity leave and return-to-play protocols.

• Fear of losing contracts, sponsorships, and selection opportunities.

• Inconsistent medical and psychological support.

3. Current Gaps in Elite Sport Systems

• Absence of clear maternity leave and contract protection policies.

• No standardized return-to-play framework post-pregnancy.

• Lack of pelvic health and postpartum-specific medical teams.

• Limited coach and staff education on postpartum training adaptations.

4. What Needs to Change: Actionable Recommendations

A. Policy Level:

• Guarantee maternity leave and pay in athlete contracts.

• Secure protection of sponsorship and selection during pregnancy and postpartum.

• Define standard return-to-sport guidelines that are flexible and athlete-centered.

  
  

B. Medical & Support Services:

• Pelvic health physiotherapy access for all athlete-mothers.

• Sports obstetricians and gynecologists specialized in elite athlete care.

• Mental health support (addressing identity, anxiety, and confidence).

  
  

C. Education & Culture Shift:

• Coach and staff training on pregnancy and postpartum adaptations.

• Foster an open culture where pregnancy and motherhood are accepted parts of sport.

• Encourage athlete leadership and role models to share experiences.

5. Return-to-Play Framework: A Progressive and Safe Path

Phase 1: Recovery & Healing (0-8 weeks postpartum)

• Rest, gentle movement, pelvic floor activation.

• Initial medical and physiotherapy assessments.

  
  

Phase 2: Foundations & Strength (8 weeks to 4-6 months)

• Gradual return to strength and conditioning.

• Core and pelvic floor rehab under supervision.

  
  

Phase 3: Return to Full Sport (6+ months, individualized)

• Progressive return to high-impact and sport-specific activities.

• Ongoing monitoring for physical and psychological readiness.

6. Case Studies and Role Models

• Serena Williams, Allyson Felix, Alex Morgan: Examples of elite athletes returning post-pregnancy.

• Lessons learned from their journeys: The need for systemic support, not just personal resilience.

7. Final Recommendations for Implementation

• Develop maternity policies in partnership with athlete unions and governing bodies.

• Provide ongoing medical and psychological support throughout pregnancy and postpartum phases.

• Educate coaches and staff on how to adjust training and support athlete-mothers.

• Normalize conversations about pregnancy in sport to remove stigma and fear.

Conclusion: Elite sport must evolve to reflect the realities of women’s lives. Supporting maternity in sport is not only about gender equity — it is essential to sustaining high-performance careers for female athletes. With proper structures, women can thrive as both mothers and champions.

Contact RIZE for support in implementing these policies or to access specialist education for your organization.