A pioneering partnership between the University of Alberta’s faculty of kinesiology, sport and recreation and global soccer governing body FIFA has yielded a set of decision guides aimed at safeguarding the health of pregnant and postpartum athletes.
Personalized guidance for a new generation
Professor Margie Davenport and her research team have crafted a flexible framework that helps athletes assess safe training intensities, recovery protocols and activity modifications throughout pregnancy and the months that follow.
Grounded in emerging science, the resources highlight evidence that regular physical activity can lower the likelihood of gestational diabetes, postpartum depression and other complications, while also supporting mental well‑being.
Over the course of three years, Davenport’s team engaged with amateur, semi‑professional and professional players across continents, gathering feedback that shaped a toolkit adaptable to each individual’s physiological and psychological profile.
Early adoption has been encouraging; elite competitors have reported reduced anxiety about returning to play, citing the guides’ clarity and evidence‑based recommendations.
Building on this momentum, the framework is being translated for other federations, most notably the Women’s Tennis Association, as part of a broader effort to standardize maternal‑health support across sports.
The growing visibility of mother‑athletes, coupled with a surge in peer‑reviewed studies, suggests that the conversation around training during pregnancy is shifting from caution to empowerment.