{"id":11910,"date":"2026-06-04T14:31:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:31:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/?p=11910"},"modified":"2026-06-04T14:31:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:31:21","slug":"forward-momentum-shaping-the-future-of-physical-activity-support-and-guidance-across-preconception-pregnancy-and-postpartum-on-the-island-of-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2026\/06\/04\/forward-momentum-shaping-the-future-of-physical-activity-support-and-guidance-across-preconception-pregnancy-and-postpartum-on-the-island-of-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"Forward Momentum: Shaping the Future of Physical Activity Support and Guidance Across Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum on the Island of Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"

An upcoming all-island (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) research and stakeholder event aims to move beyond fear-based narratives, and toward evidence-informed, individualised physical activity support and guidance for women during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Across the island of Ireland, conversations around physical activity during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum are changing. Women increasingly want clear, consistent and empowering guidance that supports movement safely and confidently throughout these life stages (1,2). Yet too often, support remains inconsistent, overly cautious, or influenced by myths and misconceptions rather than evidence (1,2).<\/span><\/p>\n

The upcoming Health Research Board funded event (Figure 1) hosted at Ulster University brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, exercise professionals, policymakers, community organisations, and women with lived experience to shape a more connected and evidence-informed future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Figure 1 Forward Momentum Event Details<\/b><\/p>\n

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This event represents the first initiative of its kind across the island of Ireland and recognises important international advancements, including developments across the UK, while acknowledging the urgent need for coordinated action within our own communities and healthcare systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why this conversation matters<\/h2>\n

Physical activity is not simply about exercise and sport participation, it is a key component of maternal health, wellbeing and impacts intergenerational health outcomes (3,4). Growing evidence continues to demonstrate benefits for physical and mental health during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of complications, enhanced wellbeing, and support for recovery after birth (5-10).<\/span><\/p>\n

However, many women still report uncertainty about what is safe, when to modify activity, or where to access trusted guidance. In many cases, fear-based messaging continues to dominate despite the absence of clinical contraindications (1,2,11).<\/span><\/p>\n

Our research (1,2,11-14), which includes women from across the island of Ireland and the UK, consistently highlights a shared message:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>We need more guidance, more encouragement and empowerment for what our bodies are capable of<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Women are seeking:<\/span><\/p>\n