Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

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Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

The Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health (PPPH) conducts research with the aim of improving t Get Involved!

Click this link to get more information about our studies: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=RKYMHF4LLM

The Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health is currently conducting research into how pregnancy and the postpartum period affects the short- and long-term risk of chronic disease for both mother and infant. We have studies that are as short as a few hours or as long as several months/years! We are currently recruiting:
• Women who are thinking of becoming pregnant
• Women who are currently pregnant;
• Women who are in the first year after delivery. Our research aims to improve the life-long health of pregnant and postpartum women and their children. In support of this goal, we are currently recruiting participants for five studies:

1) A study examining the impact of walking on blood sugar control in women with AND without gestational diabetes mellitus,
2) A study examining the impact of exercise in women with multiple sclerosis,
3) A study examining high intensity interval training (HIIT) during pregnancy,
4) A study examining cardiovascular adaptations to twin pregnancy, and
5) A study investigating the experiences of elites athletes during and following pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at: [email protected] or call 780-492-0642

10/09/2026

In 2018, the evidence about the risks and benefits of more extreme forms of exercise in pregnancy was “not much.”

But since then, we’ve been at the forefront of a steady flow of research on pregnant athletes doing hard things.

I’m now leading the team at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to publish a new and dramatically revised set of guidelines for preconception, pregnant and postpartum athletes in 2027.

Want to be the first to know when they are released? Comment IOC below 👇

10/06/2026

For too long, a lack of research on pregnant women has been replaced with **fear and restriction.**

We’re changing that.

The emerging evidence on resistance training, including heavy lifting is helping us move from *“we think you shouldn’t”* to **“here’s what the science actually shows.”**

Because pregnant women deserve evidence, not assumptions. 💪

Comment “Lift” below and I’ll send you the studies.

10/01/2026

As an academic most of our work ends up in research journals, and we don’t get to hear about who reads or uses our research, or how it impacts their lives.

Over the last 3 years, my research program has shifted its emphasis to really focus on making measurable change that will support women from preconception through pregnancy and postpartum.

It was such a pleasure to be in London UK to present at the FIFPro X ClevelaND Clinic Peak Performance and Health Summit on supporting mother-footballers through pregnancy and return to performance postpartum.

Listening to Simone Magill and Jess Banks talk about how the “FIFA stay in play during pregnancy” and “stepping into play postpartum” empowered, supported and made a difference in training was the greatest gift to this researcher.
Research in action. It meant a lot. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🥰

Let me know if you’d like to read either one and I’m happy to send them to you.

09/30/2026

It has been such a pleasure having Lene Haakstad from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences visit us at the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum health for the last month! We have had inspiring discussions and big plans!

Join us next week, I’m really looking forward to her talk on October 7th.

09/28/2026

This study’s overarching message highlights the unique and complex intersectional relationships between pregnancy and/or post partum, the demands of sport participation and the impact of disability in para athletes.

Reference: Gavel-Pinos EH, McHugh T, Davenport MHExamining the pregnancy and postpartum experiences of Para athletes in elite sport: a qualitative description studyBritish Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 17 September 2026. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-111432

09/24/2026

You don’t need to be an athlete to receive these benefits.

➡️ To achieve at least a 25% reduction in the odds of developing GDM, PE and GH, pregnant women need to accumulate at least 600 MET-min/week of moderate-intensity exercise (eg, 140 min of brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling or resistance training).

Reference: Davenport MH, Ruchat SM, Poitras VJ, Jaramillo Garcia A, Gray CE, Barrowman N, Skow RJ, Meah VL, Riske L, Sobierajski F, James M, Kathol AJ, Nuspl M, Marchand AA, Nagpal TS, Slater LG, Weeks A, Adamo KB, Davies GA, Barakat R, Mottola MF. Prenatal exercise for the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Nov;52(21):1367-1375. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099355. PMID: 30337463.

09/23/2026

Outside Magazine has covered our research 🔥
Together we’re changing the fear based narrative of exercise during pregnancy and postpartum. Great article Alex Hutchinson !

Comment Outside below and I’ll dm you the link to the article.
I can’t always send messages to non-followers, so follow to make sure 👍 !

09/21/2026

Even with absolute contraindications in pregnancy, like a placental abruption which is a very high risk condition, we really do recommend continuing activities of daily living. For example, get up out of bed and do some cooking or go walk to the mailbox.

➡️we don’t recommend engaging in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity due to a potential risk in most cases of an early delivery.

➡️We know that bed rest or severe activity restriction during pregnancy is not helpful or beneficial for mom or baby.

💕 Sharing is caring, please pass this on so we can all get closer to evidence based care without the fear based opinions. 🙏🏼

Reference: Matenchuk, B., Khurana, R., Cai, C., Boulé, N. G., Slater, L., & Davenport, M. H. (2019). Prenatal bed rest in developed and developing regions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CMAJ open, 7(3), E435–E445. https://doi.org/10.9778/cmajo.20190014

09/20/2026

Decision making should be shared between athletes and their multidisciplinary teams during pregnancy and postpartum for long term success.
Our new research and guidance supports a step by step approach. I’m happy to share it with anyone who is interested!
Thank you Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS) for having me and everyone who attended and asked great questions 🙏🏼💕 it was nice to meet so many of you in person.

09/18/2026

Pregnant with Twins? 👋🏼 or working with Moms ?
This research is for you!
✨ It may be time to re-evaluate your beliefs and opinions with new empirical evidence about twin pregnancy and exercise.

➡️While resting haemodynamics were generally higher in individuals with twin compared with singleton pregnancies, the cardiovascular response to exercise was not different between groups and exercise did not impact fetal well-being.

Tag a prenatal practitioner or a mom who needs to know 👇
If you want access to the full study comment “Twins” below!⬇️

Address

8602 112 Street
Edmonton, AB
T6G2E1

Telephone

1-780-492-0642

Website

http://www.exerciseandpregnancy.ca/

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