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Infographic. Head to toe considerations for the postpartum endurance athlete
  1. Toqa Afifi1,
  2. Michelle T Barrack2,
  3. Ellen Casey3,
  4. Molly Huddle4,
  5. Stephanie A Kliethermes5,
  6. Emily Kraus6,
  7. Brett G Toresdahl7,
  8. Meagan M Wasfy8,
  9. Adam S Tenforde9
  1. 1 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
  2. 2 Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
  3. 3 Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
  4. 4 Providence, Rhode Island, USA
  5. 5 Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
  6. 6 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California, USA
  7. 7 University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
  8. 8 Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
  9. 9 Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Adam S Tenforde, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA 02138, USA; atenforde{at}mgb.org

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107624

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    The physical and psychological changes in the postpartum athlete directly impact their ability to return to sport post partum. Understanding the unique challenges and considerations surrounding the postpartum endurance athlete is essential to optimise health outcomes for both the athlete and the newborn. Key features are included in figure 1 and discussed below.

    Figure 1

    Illustrates key aspects of health in postpartum endurance athletes.

    Mental health factors

    Return to athletic training, changes in body composition and/or becoming a mother may influence mental health. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 20% of women within 12 months post partum, is associated with urge urinary incontinence and increases risk for future episodes of depression.1 PPD, anxiety, psychosis and other mental health conditions are of concern but unknown in prevalence within postpartum athletes.2 Eating disorders have been associated with pregnancy complications, increase the risk for developing PPD and contribute to relative energy deficiency in sport.3 Athletes should consider mental health assessment by a mental health professional and treatment which may include therapy, medications and/or lifestyle modifications, such as exercise.3

    Bone health

    Lactation may result in temporary decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) presumed to …

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    Footnotes

    • X @AfifiToqa, @stephklie2, @emilykrausmd, @bretttoresdahl, @meaganwasfy, @doctor1040

    • Contributors All authors contributed to developing content, editorial review and approval of the final submission.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.