Translating evidence into practice: A multi-disciplinary approach to exercise among pregnant women

Participation in regular exercise during pregnancy is a recommended prenatal care strategy with short and long-term health benefits to both mother and child. Pregnant women rely heavily on their service providers for accurate, up-to-date exercise advice. However, research suggests that service providers may not have the necessary knowledge or training to translate evidence into practice. In this session, we bring together a multi-disciplinary team that will draw on their professional experiences in working with, and managing the exercise behaviours of pregnant women, to present practical expert advice. This symposium will see each of the panel members provide a brief overview of their expertise in working with pregnant women and provide valuable insight and practical advice. At the conclusion of the panel presentations, the floor will open for a ‘Q and A’ session, in which panel members will answer questions on a range of issues including: current trends and exercise behaviours of pregnant women; challenges for service providers; caring for pregnant women including elite athletes; current sporting policies for supporting pregnant women, and a unique insight into the pregnancy of an elite athlete and her return to sport.