Can High-Level Female Athletes Reconcile Pregnancy and Performance Without Risk?

More and more high-level female athletes are becoming mothers while continuing their careers. However, knowledge about the impact of intensive training before, during, and after pregnancy remains limited and is often based on outdated studies or those focused on endurance. Elite and international-level athletes generally adapt their training throughout pregnancy. They gradually reduce intensity and volume, especially from the third trimester, favoring low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, or walking. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining moderate training does not appear to harm the health of the mother or child, provided certain limits are respected.

Available studies show that athletes often continue to train during pregnancy, adjusting their workload. Moderate-intensity training is considered safe, but exceeding 90% of maximum heart rate could affect fetal responses. Athletes typically return to training shortly after childbirth, with a gradual resumption. Their recovery depends on many factors such as breastfeeding, training volume during and after pregnancy, and their initial physical condition. Some even manage to regain, or even surpass, their previous performance levels.

Psychologically, this period is marked by significant challenges. Athletes must manage stress, identity conflicts, and the lack of guidelines tailored to their situation. The transition to motherhood can cause anxiety and self-doubt, especially in the face of social expectations and career pressures. Yet, many also describe this experience as a source of renewed motivation and balance.

The birth outcomes for these athletes are often comparable, or even better, than those of the general population. There is no solid evidence that intensive training during pregnancy leads to complications. However, data remains insufficient to establish precise recommendations, especially for sports other than endurance.

Athletes emphasize the need for personalized support, both physically and mentally. They call for more diverse research, including different types of sports and varied populations, to better understand the necessary adaptations. The goal is to develop tailored protocols that allow for safely reconciling athletic performance and motherhood.

Information and Sources

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-026-01000-5

Title: Elite and Sub-elite Athletes and Pregnancy: Training, Performance, Health and Psychological Aspects Across the Pre-, Peri-, and Postnatal Stages: A Scoping Review

Journal: Sports Medicine – Open

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Jana Nolte; Isabell Thal; Emily Büthe; Susanne Weber; Petra Platen; Kirsten Legerlotz