Pregnant women left without vital exercise support, Ireland-wide study finds

New research spanning the island of Ireland has exposed major gaps in the support available to pregnant and postpartum women trying to stay physically active — with researchers warning that thousands are being left without clear guidance during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

The findings, released during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, reveal that while physical activity is widely recognised as beneficial before and after childbirth, many women are receiving little or no advice from healthcare systems or support services.

Across the studies, just 28% of women surveyed said they received physical activity advice during pregnancy, while only 17% reported feeling supported to stay active.

Researchers say the consequences go far beyond fitness, with confusion, fear and inconsistent messaging potentially affecting recovery after birth, confidence levels, and maternal mental health outcomes.

Women describe fear, uncertainty and lack of support

The all-island research initiative was led by Dr Lizzy Deery of Ulster University and Dr Maria Faulkner of Atlantic Technological University.

The studies found many expectant and new mothers were uncertain about what forms of exercise were safe during pregnancy and after childbirth. Others said fear-based advice or inconsistent guidance actively discouraged them from remaining active.

Researchers said the problems become even more pronounced after birth, when women are navigating major physical and emotional changes while receiving little support on returning to exercise safely.

Participants described a lack of practical advice around issues including recovery after tears during childbirth, pelvic floor problems, and confidence returning to exercise in public settings.

One mother involved in the study said:

“For women returning … there’s not enough help out there … a lot of women have histories of tears and things through pregnancy, but actually [they] don’t know what to do in the return … a lot of women is put off then, because you end up with weak bladders and end up leaking … it’s off putting for women that don’t know … don’t have the support.”

Another participant highlighted the limited availability of child-friendly fitness opportunities for mothers.

“I think there should be, in society, more availability of [child-friendly] exercise … not just like a 6-week course or something like that, or pushing your buggy with other mothers around a park. I think it should be a bit more welcoming ….”

Researchers say physical activity could support maternal mental health

The report was deliberately released during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, which focuses attention on the emotional realities of pregnancy and early parenthood.

Researchers said the findings point to a significant missed opportunity to support maternal wellbeing at a time when perinatal anxiety and depression affect thousands of families each year across Ireland and the UK.

The team said there is already strong evidence showing that physical activity can support postnatal recovery, reduce anxiety and improve overall mental wellbeing.

However, many women currently feel unsupported or unsure how to safely continue or restart exercise during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

One participant described how proper guidance from healthcare professionals transformed her own experience.

“I am very grateful to the healthcare professionals for the sound advice they gave. I was confident to continue exercising and reduce [this] when I didn’t feel able any longer. I saw lots of my friends just stop exercising and they struggled to resume post pregnancy. I felt strong and able for labour as I felt so fit.”

Ulster University researcher says women’s voices must drive change

Dr Lizzy Deery, Programme Director of the BSc Sport, Physical Activity and Health course at Ulster University, said the research marks the first large-scale exploration of women’s experiences of physical activity support during pregnancy and after birth across the island of Ireland.

“This is the first time women’s experiences of physical activity support during pregnancy and after birth have been explored at this scale across the island of Ireland, and we’re incredibly proud to bring those voices to the forefront,” she said.

“This work marks the culmination of an ongoing, successful cross-border collaboration, which now provides a springboard for the all-island collective which we have founded, as well as national and international projects to continue to drive the momentum and optimise physical activity support and guidance across preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

“We are passionate about improving the support and guidance available for all during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum. From those starting out with physical activity, all the way through to elite athletes.”

Dr Maria Faulkner said the project now gives researchers and healthcare professionals a stronger evidence base to begin changing maternity support systems.

“By establishing this evidence base for the first time on the island of Ireland, we now have a strong foundation to act,” she said.

“We have developed a cross-border led, all-island programme of work with national and international collaborations, focused on creating clear, supportive pathways for both women and the professionals who care for them.

“Our aim is simple: to empower women to make informed decisions about their physical activity, and support professionals to guide women to do so. Ultimately, we want this to feel normal and accessible for every woman, when appropriate, during pregnancy and postpartum.”

New programme aims to challenge myths and improve guidance

In response to the findings, the research team is launching a new programme of work aimed at tackling misinformation and fear-based narratives around exercise during pregnancy and after childbirth.

The initiative will focus on co-creating practical guidance with women and healthcare professionals while helping make physical activity support a routine part of maternity care.

Researchers believe the work could help improve long-term outcomes not only for mothers, but also for babies and families, while positioning the island of Ireland as a leader in maternal and intergenerational health innovation.

The research was carried out collaboratively by Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University and draws on three major studies examining physical activity knowledge, confidence and experiences during pregnancy and postpartum.

Listeners can hear more from Dr Lizzy Deery in the latest episode of the Motherhood & Sport podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.