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In support of maternal health, Sport England has announced a new partnership with The Active Pregnancy Foundation (APF), backed by over £250,000 of National Lottery funding. The collaboration seeks to break down the barriers that often prevent pregnant women and postpartum mothers, especially those with disabilities, mental health challenges or chronic health risks, from staying physically active.
Data shows that physical activity during and after pregnancy isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. Research indicates that structured moderate exercise can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by up to 30% and curb excessive weight gain in expectant mothers. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia by approximately 35%. Even a single session of exercise helps alleviate postnatal depression and decreases the chances of emergency Caesarean deliveries.
“We’re proud to partner with The Active Pregnancy Foundation,” said Joanne Cound, Sport England’s Head of Investment. “This partnership will make an enormous impact — not just to individual women’s lives, but to the wider system supporting maternal health and physical activity.”
Founded in 2020, APF has worked to close gaps in knowledge, raise industry standards and bring together sectors to ensure pregnant and postpartum women are better supported to be active. Its focus on targeted support aligns with Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy to ensure everyone, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, can engage in sport and activity.
The partnership builds on previous collaborations, including:
- This Mum Moves, a suite of workout content for pregnant women and new mums.
- Active Mums Start with You, which trains healthcare professionals to have safe and open conversations about exercise.
- Couch to Fitness adaptations, designed to help women be active at home before and after giving birth.
Dr. Marlize De Vivo, Co-Chief Executive of APF, called the initiative a “game-changer”: “It gives us the resources and recognition to reach more women than ever, and unapologetically focus on driving system-wide change where it’s needed most.”
By targeting women who face high barriers to activity, Sport England’s wants to both improve maternal and infant health and shift the national conversation on women’s health — making it an issue that is visible, valued and prioritized across the sport and physical activity sector.
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