Navigating the perinatal period : the experiences of elite athletes in Malta

Abstract

Pregnancy is a transformative and complex journey, particularly for women who have dedicated their lives to sports. This transition introduces unique challenges that shape both pregnancy and postpartum experiences, distinguishing elite athletes from non-athletic/elite women. In this study, an elite athlete (EA) is defined as an athletic individual who forms part of the Maltese national team and competes or previously competed internationally. This study aims to explore the perinatal experiences of elite athletes in Malta, focusing on the physical, emotional, and professional transitions they undergo. It seeks to identify the challenges they encounter, the coping mechanisms they employ, and the support systems that contribute to their well-being during this period. A qualitative research approach will be applied and a purposive sample of eight elite athletes will be recruited through Sport Malta and The Malta Olympic Sports Committee after obtaining permission from the respective authorities. Data collection will commence upon receiving ethical approval from the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee and it will involve semi-structured interviews with open ended questions which will be analyses by Braun and Clarke thematic analysis. This study adheres to the ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report, ensuring that human dignity, beneficence, justice, and autonomy are maintained throughout the research process. To uphold the trustworthiness of the research, attention will be given to ensuring credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. As the first study of its kind in Malta, it is expected to reveal both the positive and challenging aspects of the perinatal experiences of elite athletes. The findings will offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals, enabling them to better understand athlete women’s unique needs during pregnancy and the postpartum. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of more holistic, tailored midwifery care for this specific population.