Active Maternity
Being active during pregnancy and after childbirth brings with it a host of physical and mental benefits, including a reduction in the risk of developing gestational diabetes, a reduction in depression, improved emotional wellbeing and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight in the postpartum period.
Being physically active during pregnancy is safe. In fact, the more active and fit a woman is during pregnancy, the easier it will be for her to adapt to her changing shape pre and post pregnancy. There is also evidence to show that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and will be better able to cope with the physical demands of labour.
We know that women frequently come into contact with a range of professionals during pregnancy and following childbirth, but research has shown that there is a lack of clear and consistent physical activity information which often lead to women stopping activity completely, which will go on to influence the activity levels of their children.
As part of a life course approach and to continue to benefit from engagement in regular physical activity, it is recommended that pregnant and postnatal individuals aim to accumulate 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity throughout the week and engage in strength training activities twice per week.
This is, however, a unique population group where certain considerations must be kept in mind to support discussions and modifications throughout pregnancy and beyond.
To normalise an active lifestyle throughout motherhood, we recognise that everyone has an opportunity to promote physical activity.
We believe in a whole systems approach based on clear and consistent evidence-based messages shared by all professionals so that pregnant and postnatal women feel reassured and empowered to make informed physical activity choices.
Moving Medicine and This Girl Can have partnered with the Active Pregnancy Foundation to develop a suite of the most useful resources and training for healthcare professionals, including consultation guides, signposting, and training.
‘Find Your Active’ Activity Guides
Activity-based resources written in collaboration with experts, packed with advice and guidance for mums and mums-to-be about which physical activities are safe and suitable with top tips, dos and don’ts to guide to them through their chosen activities during pregnancy and beyond.
e-Learning for Healthcare Training Module
A short but informative free e-learning module covering current national physical activity guidelines and how to empower pregnant women and new mothers to make informed choices about physical activity.
The Active Pregnancy Foundation
A collection of useful resources for healthcare and fitness professionals including research papers, medical guidelines, and toolkits of physical activity including mental health.
This Mum Moves Ambassador Training
A half-day session delivered by the Active Pregnancy Foundation and Institute of Health Visiting, to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to discuss physical activity during pregnancy and after childbirth. Learners are provided with access to a digital toolkit to support conversations and further learning, including resources to deliver cascade awareness sessions.
We are keen to connect with any healthcare professionals working with antenatal and postnatal patients in Dorset to discuss how we could provide additional support about physical activity, particularly for inequality groups and diverse communities. This might include producing additional resources, delivering training and supporting signposting to local opportunities.
Contact Katie Davies
E: kdavies@activedorset.org
Please Note - Where referring to 'women' and 'mothers', this should be taken to include people who do not identify as women but who are pregnant.
Similarly, where the term 'parents' is used, this should be taken to include anyone who has main responsibility for caring for a baby.
