Purpose: This all-island event will bring together key voices to enhance physical activity (PA) support and guidance during preconception, pregnancy, and after birth (postpartum). The goal is to share knowledge, build networks, and co-create future research priorities to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies across the island of Ireland. Expressions of interest will be sought, to form a patient and public involvement (PPI) panel of 10 members. This panel will support the subsequent development of a grant application, to be submitted as an outcome of the event.
Importance: PA during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum has been shown to reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, emergency caesarean and postpartum depression. Despite this, the majority of women do not meet recommended activity levels during these life-stages. Recent all-island research published by our team showed that support to stay active during this time is lacking, and many HCP feel they lack the training or confidence to offer effective PA advice. This event is important because it addresses these gaps, by involving those most affected and those best placed to help, ensuring future research and services are shaped by real needs.
Target Audience: The target audience, referred to throughout this application as “stakeholders” will include HCPs, allied health professionals, fitness professionals, policymakers, service planners, funders and service-users with lived experience, including preconception, pregnant and postpartum individuals and their partners/support persons. This broad mix has been informed by previous PPI and will help ensure meaningful conversations and inclusive solutions.
Dissemination: Dissemination will include a cross-institute press release and a post-event report summarising key discussions, stakeholder input, and co-developed research priorities to inform future preconception, pregnancy and postpartum-related PA funding proposals in an all-island context. Infographics and “short” style videos will be created for social media.
