‘I can have a baby, I can come back’: high-performing dancers and athletes perceptions of motherhood compatibility and how to support the preconception to pregnancy announcement journey

This study aimed to explore high-performing dancers' and athletes' perceptions of motherhood compatibility and provide recommendations, based on pregnancy experiences, to support the journey from preconception to pregnancy disclosure. A multi-methods design included an online survey with fifty-one high-performance dancers and athletes from 10 countries, followed by semi-structured interviews with two high-performance dancers and six athletes from the UK who had experienced pregnancy. Thematic analysis was applied to data before exploring findings though a bioecological lens. Microsystem role models were found to positively influence perceptions of motherhood compatibility. While UK exosystem policies for pregnant athletes supported this view, broader support remains lacking. Factors such as limited evidence, personal goals, age, and inadequate support contributed to perceptions of incompatibility. Support recommendations include better microsystem education and psychological support, clearer and flexible exosystem and microsystem policies and funding, and macrosystem cultural acceptance to help athletes navigate pregnancy and motherhood in high-performance environments.