UK Sport commissioned research with Loughborough University into athletes’ experiences of pregnancy, with the aim of providing further guidance about how athletes should be supported through pregnancy and post-childbirth.
Research Questions:
The research was designed to document female Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ experiences of pregnancy whilst on, or recently retired from, WCP. Three main research questions structured the focus of the research. These were:
· What factors contribute to decision making around pregnancy whilst on a WCP for athletes?
· What challenges and concerns do athletes face throughout their pregnancy and postpartum?
· What were athletes’ experiences of support from NGBs during pregnancy and post-partum, and how could this be improved?
Research Design and Method:
The research employed a qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews as the method for data collection. Athletes were recruited via advertising the study on social media, via the BAC and EIS, and via emails detailing the study which were sent to current WCP athletes and those who had recently retired (within the last 3 years). 13 athletes expressed an interest in the study, of which interviews were conducted with 10 athletes between January to May 2021. The athletes included in the sample were from Olympic (n=5) and Paralympic (n=5) sports and had either experienced pregnancy (n=4) or were considering pregnancy (n=6) whilst on WCP.
Data Analysis:
Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim before undergoing a form of qualitative thematic analysis. Data analysis procedures were followed throughout the process to enhance the empirical adequacy and descriptive validity. Interviews lasted on average 90 minutes. </p
