Mothers Going the Distance: A Brief Review of Postpartum Return to Elite Endurance Sport

About this course

Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, Vol. 54, No. 1, pp. 57–64, 2026 | DOI: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000374

What you will learn

• Lack of research on pregnant and postpartum athletes has created uncertainty among athletes, coaches, and health professionals regarding training during pregnancy and the postpartum period
• The insecurity of financial support through pregnancy and the postpartum period often puts pressure on athletes to plan their pregnancy around their competition schedule and make a rapid return postpartum
• Despite the challenges and uncertainties they face, many athlete-mothers experience improved mental and physical performance and greater enjoyment of their sport upon their return after childbirth
• Several trailblazer athlete-mothers have proven that a successful postpartum return is possible. However, more support would greatly benefit this athlete population by providing more reassurance for athletes looking to return after pregnancy

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