World Athletics CARES project backs athlete mothers

World Athletics has initiated the Childbirth And Return in Elite Sport (CARES) project, a comprehensive research initiative designed to examine pregnancy, childbirth, and the return to competitive performance for elite female athletes. The project combines athlete surveys with scientific research to generate evidence-based insights that will inform future policy development and support mechanisms for pregnant competitors and new mothers in elite sport.

The CARES project addresses a historically under-researched area within elite athletics. While anecdotal evidence and individual athlete accounts have long highlighted the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum return to competition, systematic data collection and scientific analysis have been limited. This gap has left policy makers and governing bodies with insufficient evidence to develop comprehensive support frameworks. World Athletics's commitment to this research signals recognition that elite female athletes require tailored guidance and protection during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The project's dual methodology—combining athlete surveys with scientific research—aims to capture both qualitative experiences and quantifiable health and performance data. Findings are expected to address questions around optimal return-to-competition timelines, physiological changes affecting performance, mental health considerations, and practical support needs. Such evidence will be critical for developing policies that protect athlete welfare while enabling those who wish to continue competing to do so safely.

The implications extend beyond World Athletics itself. As a global governing body, its policy recommendations influence national federations, event organizers, and sponsors. The CARES project may establish new standards for pregnancy support, maternity leave, and return-to-competition protocols that become industry benchmarks. For female athletes, the research promises more informed guidance and potentially greater institutional support during major life transitions. The project also reflects broader momentum in elite sport toward gender equity and recognition that supporting female athletes comprehensively—including during pregnancy and motherhood—strengthens the sport overall.