#084 Pregnancy and return to sport post partum with Dr Sinead Dufour

In this episode, Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr Sinead Dufour about pregnancy and return to play in elite sport, with a focus on new research from the FIFA Female Health Project. Together, they explore how practitioners can move away from overly cautious, time-based restrictions and instead use evidence-informed decision aids to support athletes through pregnancy and postpartum. The discussion highlights the importance of individualised care, multidisciplinary support, and maintaining athlete wellbeing throughout the perinatal period. Key topics include risk management, training modifications, mental health, pelvic health, nutrition, the concept of the fourth trimester, and stepwise return-to-play frameworks after childbirth. This episode provides practical insights for those working with female athletes and offers a clear pathway for supporting players during one of the most complex stages of their careers. #WomensFootball #FemaleHealth #SportsMedicine #ReturnToPlay #PerinatalAthletes #FIFAResearch #AthleteCare #WomenInSport #PerformanceHealth