Physical Activity During Preconception, Pregnancy & Postpartum: An All-Island Perspective
Dr. Lizzy Deery (Ulster University) and Dr. Maria Faulkner (Atlantic Technological University) were invited to present their research at the inaugural míde All-Island Research Conference for Women and Girls in Sport, Exercise, Physical Activity, and Health, at Glasson Lakehouse, Athlone on 31st January 2025.
Their work focuses on physical activity during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum across the island of Ireland. In recent years, their research has evolved through national and international collaborations, exploring awareness, knowledge, and participation in physical activity among these populations. To date their findings, highlight significant gaps in physical activity awareness with 93% of respondents in a recent survey unaware of correct physical activity guidelines during pregnancy and postpartum. Additionally, their research on healthcare practitioners showed varied knowledge and confidence in providing physical activity guidance and support during pregnancy and postpartum stages, with many not having received formal training. The presentation emphasied the need for improved physical activity support through maternity care systems to empower these populations during these transitional phases of life. Their ongoing work with healthcare practitioners, education and training, policy and governance were also discussed. Interestingly, the first míde research output, a scoping review examining all available research about women in sport on the island of Ireland spanning up to December 2024, was presented at the conference by Dr Trish Jackman. Findings of the review highlighted a critical gap in research on physical activity during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum on the island of Ireland, emphasising the need for high quality research in this area to inform evidence-based guidance.
On the day of the conference, Lizzy and Maria were delighted to receive a preprint of their now-published article, From Insight to Action: A Qualitative Study of the Postpartum Return to Recreational Exercise and Sport in Ireland and the UK, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. This study highlights the experience of transitioning to parenthood, and how this influences a return to exercise or sport including what motivates and supports mothers to return as well as the challenges and barriers they face. A list of actionable steps to support mothers returning to exercise and sport was generated. These include actions by a range of stakeholders including healthcare professionals, exercise professionals, sports teams/clubs and national governing bodies.
Their participation in this conference provided an invaluable opportunity to share insights, engage with a unique audience of both academic and industry professionals, and advocate for evidence-based approaches to supporting physical activity in maternal health.
Author’s Bio
Dr Lizzy Deery is a Lecturer in Sport and Health at Ulster University. Her research focuses on physical activity across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum populations. She is passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that women receive evidence-based guidance on physical activity to support their health and well-being. Lizzy is leading key research that aims to shape policy, practice, and initiatives that enhance health outcomes during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. She is a founding member of the all-island professional network for women working in physical activity, exercise and sport.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2492-8001
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzy-deery-41586b90/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elizabeth-Deery
Dr. Maria Faulkner is a Lecturer at ATU Donegal and a sport and exercise physiologist specialising in physical activity and health. A BASES accredited sport and exercise scientist and chartered scientist, her research focuses on physical activity during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Beyond maternal health, her work spans sports performance and clinical populations, exploring exercise in disease prevention, neurological rehabilitation, and athletic development. Maria is a member of the míde all-island research consortium, involved in the research collective and the all-island professional network for women in physical activity, exercise, and sport.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4845-1401
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-faulkner-5a8226205/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Faulkner-2?ev=hdr_xprf