Elite Athletes and Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: Pregnancy in elite athletes presents unique physiological, medical, and performance-related considerations. Elite athletes often enter pregnancy with high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, optimized body composition, and established training routines, which may influence maternal and fetal outcomes. However, concerns remain regarding training intensity, energy availability, injury risk, pelvic floor health, and safe return to sport after childbirth. Understanding pregnancy outcomes among elite athletes is important for developing evidence-based recommendations that support both maternal–fetal health and athletic career continuity. Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review of observational studies, cohort studies, case series, and clinical reports examining pregnancy outcomes in elite athletes. Relevant literature published between ۲۰۰۰ and ۲۰۲۵ was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included competitive, national-level, international-level, or professional female athletes who were pregnant during or after their athletic careers. Primary outcomes included maternal health, gestational weight gain, pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, fetal growth, birth outcomes, postpartum recovery, and return to sport. Results: Evidence from the reviewed literature suggests that many elite athletes experience healthy pregnancies and favorable birth outcomes. High pre-pregnancy fitness may contribute to improved cardiovascular function, lower excessive gestational weight gain, and faster postpartum recovery. However, outcomes may vary depending on sport type, training load, nutritional status, previous menstrual or endocrine disturbances, and medical supervision. Some athletes may face increased risk of pelvic floor symptoms, musculoskeletal discomfort, relative energy deficiency, or pressure to return to competition prematurely. Available studies generally indicate that continued exercise during uncomplicated pregnancy can be safe when appropriately modified, but evidence specific to elite athletes remains limited. Conclusion: Elite athletes can often maintain physical activity during pregnancy and achieve favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes when training is individualized and medically supervised. However, more high-quality prospective research is needed to clarify safe training thresholds, sport-specific risks, and best practices for postpartum return to elite competition.

کلیدواژه ها:

Elite Athletes ، Pregnancy ، Maternal Health ، Birth Outcomes ، Exercise ، Return to Sport