Trigger warning: pregnancy loss
Pregnancy loss is not just a taboo topic in elite sport. It is often avoided in every corner of society.
We are told to wait until 12 weeks before sharing the news of a pregnancy — in case of miscarriage.
Yet many women do not realise that up to 25 percent of all conceptions end in miscarriage.
That means a significant number of women are experiencing loss, often in silence.
Let that sink in.
In any room of women, a quarter will have some experience with pregnancy loss.
And elite athletes are no exception.
What makes it even more challenging in sport is the silence.
Many athletes have not disclosed their pregnancy — either by choice or because their sport does not require early disclosure (as combat sports might).
Add to that the outdated, yet still lingering, misconception that miscarriage could somehow be caused by something we did or failed to do.
As an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist working closely with elite athletes — and as someone who has personally experienced miscarriage — I want to say this clearly:
Training does not cause miscarriage. Nothing you did caused your miscarriage.
Still, the fear is real.
And it is especially acute for those who have conceived through IVF.
After investing months, sometimes years of effort, emotional resilience, financial resources, and medical support, even the most level-headed athlete may choose to be extremely cautious.
That is completely valid.
If we are serious about creating real, supportive fertility and preconception pathways in elite sport, we must also integrate mental health awareness and emotional support.
Here is what performance teams need to understand:
While there is no scientific evidence that exercise causes miscarriage, athletes may still feel the need to reduce their training load during a subsequent pregnancy.
That is their choice. And that choice is entirely valid.
The first trimester is short. And there is no data to suggest that lowering training intensity in response to symptoms has a negative impact on long-term performance or return to sport after birth. In fact, in many cases, it may offer benefits.
My role during preconception and early pregnancy is to bring together medical evidence and emotional intelligence. To provide reassurance. And to say with clarity:
Easing off in the first trimester will not derail your career.
So here is my message — to athletes, coaches, and support teams:
Offer grace.
Support the whole person.
Train with long-term intent, not short-term pressure.