Developing Evidence-Based Recommendations Surrounding Training During and Following Pregnancy in Elite Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on female athletes during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Current literature offers insufficient guidance for training and competition in elite perinatal athletes.
• There is a need to expand research on female athletes' specific needs during the perinatal period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on exercise and perinatal stages in elite athletes.
• To identify gaps in knowledge regarding training and competition for perinatal athletes.
• To call for further research and clinical exploration in this specialized area.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on exercise and elite athletes during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Analysis of current guidance and its limitations for perinatal athletes.
• Identification of key areas for future research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Main Results:

• Significant gaps exist in the scientific literature concerning female athletes during the perinatal period.
• Existing guidance for coaches, healthcare providers, and athletes is inadequate.
• There is a lack of comprehensive, evidence-informed strategies for training, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Conclusions:

• An interdisciplinary approach is crucial for evidence-informed care of perinatal athletes.
• Focus should be on physiological changes, training, nutrition, environmental factors, and injury prevention.
• Expanded research is essential to provide proper guidance and support for elite perinatal athletes.