Experience of pregnancy on the world class programme

The findings in this report highlight the experiences of Olympic and Paralympic athletes on UK Sport's World Class Programme (WCP) who have supported their partners pregnancy. Specifically, it documents how athletes respond to and manage the challenges associated with supporting their partner during pregnancy and postpartum whilst on the WCP.

The report indicates that athletes face significant challenges as they balance WCP commitments with supporting their partner prenatal and postpartum with implications on athlete health and wellbeing, performance outcomes and equitable practice.

The findings highlight that there are shared experiences between athlete partners and female athletes who start a family whilst on the WCP the proceed from cultures of organisational practice in relation to family planning and pregnancy support. Importantly, the report highlights opportunities for the development of athlete partner support and provision.