Pregnancy and postpartum nutritional wants and needs in athletes: a cross-sectional survey in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Abstract Background There is a need to continue to understand, nutrition, and overall health and wellbeing of athletes during pregnancy and postpartum. This study aimed to explore nutritional perceptions, needs, preferences, and concerns of female athletes in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI) during pregnancy and postpartum. An exploratory cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April and May 2024 among athletes ≥ 18 years who had experienced a pregnancy while competing (or retiring due to pregnancy) within the last eight years. Descriptive analyses were conducted for the full sample and stratified by pregnancy status and athlete level. Group differences were assessed using chi-square and McNemar’s test. Results 287 athletes (34.7 ± 3.8years) from 48 different primary sporting types and activities completed the survey. 44% were elite and 56% active non-elite. Only 21.6% of athletes received nutrition advice during pregnancy and 10.8% during postpartum, with no significant differences between levels (pregnancy: p = 0.61; postpartum: p = 0.81). Most advice focused on general healthy eating and supplementation, while athletes expressed a strong preference for specific nutrition for athletes during pregnancy or postpartum, supplement use, and return-to-sport nutrition, ideally delivered by registered dietitians/nutritionists or sporting organisations in addition to general and sport healthcare providers. Conclusion Pregnant and postpartum athletes in the UK and ROI receive limited nutrition support that did not meet the demands of training, recovery or return to sport. There is a clear need for athlete-specific nutrition education and coordinated care pathways between maternity and sport performance systems.