A widening gap between evidence and everyday maternity care is leaving pregnant and postpartum people across Ireland without the support they need to stay active—at a time when movement could play a crucial role in protecting both physical and mental health.
As Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 shines a spotlight on the emotional realities of pregnancy and early parenthood, new research suggests that women are still not receiving adequate support and guidance on physical activity, despite its well‑documented benefits for wellbeing.
A Gap in Maternity Care
Novel research led by Dr Lizzy Deery of Ulster University and Dr Maria Faulkner of Atlantic Technological University reveals that only 28% of women surveyed received any advice about physical activity during pregnancy or after birth and just 17% felt genuinely supported to be active.
For many, the absence of clear guidance created confusion and fear. Participants described feeling judged, blamed, or unsure about what was safe. These anxieties were amplified postpartum, when the physical and emotional transition to motherhood was compounded by a lack of direction on how to return to movement safely.
The findings, drawn from three foundational studies, point to deep‑rooted confidence and knowledge gaps among both expectant mothers and the professionals who care for them. Fear‑based narratives, persistent myths, and inconsistent messaging continue to overshadow decades of evidence showing that physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, support recovery, and strengthen long‑term health outcomes.
Why this Matters for Maternal Mental Health
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week exists because pregnancy and the first year after birth are among the most emotionally complex periods in a person’s life. Rates of anxiety and depression rise sharply during these stages, and many parents report feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn for support.
Physical activity is one of the most effective, accessible tools for supporting mental wellbeing, yet the new research shows that it remains underused, under‑promoted, and misunderstood.
A Cross‑Border Effort to Change the Narrative
In response to these gaps, the research team is launching a new programme of work designed to replace confusion with clarity. Their goal is to dispel myths, challenge fear‑based messaging, and co‑create evidence‑informed, empowering guidance that can be embedded directly into routine maternity care.
By normalising physical activity as a supported part of every maternity journey, the island of Ireland has an opportunity to lead the way in intergenerational health, improving outcomes not only for mothers, but for families and communities long term.
A Moment for Action
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is a reminder that emotional wellbeing is not a luxury, it is a cornerstone of safe, healthy maternity care. The new research makes clear that supporting physical activity is not an optional extra; it is a missing piece of the maternal mental health puzzle.
As policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities reflect on how to better support parents, the message from researchers is simple: clear, compassionate, evidence‑based guidance on physical activity could make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of women.
