Pregnancy and Maternity - Diversity and Belonging

We know that Pregnancy and Maternity are key life stages that lead to many individuals stopping playing. Maternity is often not a temporary pause but a critical transition where women are at a high risk of permanent disengagement from sport.

Barriers such as new childcare commitments, inflexible provision and a range of physical changes all contribute to this. The guidance below has been created to support you, and those around you, to continue to experience the joy of netball, through pregnancy and beyond.

NETBALLHer provides a range of useful resources that support women to remain active in a way that suits them, whilst taking into account the changes throughout pregnancy. Topics include:

• Clothing and Kit

• Remaining Active in Pregnancy

• Nutrition in Pregnancy

• The Pelvic Floor

Official competition guidance, based upon World Netball Pregnancy Guidelines, can also be found below.

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This is a blow by blow guide to returning to exercise after the birth of your little one, and please do remember that what’s most important here is you. The exercise itself is important but the timing is much less so. Go at your own pace and don’t just progress because the guide says you can. Really appraise where you’re at – it’s a marathon not a sprint. 

Nat (joined by her daughter Miller!) shares her account of returning to the court after pregnancy. Whether playing Walking Netball, at a community club or pulling on the Roses dress, the experiences that Nat shares will resonate with many others.

It’s estimated that one in five women will be diagnosed with a mental health issue either in pregnancy or in year one of motherhood. According to the NHS, depression in pregnancy affects more than 1 in 10 women, while symptoms during pregnancy may include anxiety, panic attacks and even psychosis.

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