Players - What to do now

Although the club has a Duty of Care to create a safe environment, your behaviour will have a significant impact on your health, physical and emotional well-being as well as that of your unborn child.

It is your responsibility to act in a sensible, informed manner and not to put yourself or the foetus at risk.

• Consult your medical adviser about your level of participation in sport throughout your pregnancy.
• Ask your sport for information about the potential risk involved in your sport.
• Make sure you understand the benefits (and there are many) and the potential risks associated with your involvement.
• Consider talking to your coach about your pregnancy. He or she may be able to make modifications if, and when, appropriate to your training schedule or the position you might play in a team sport.
• Don’t increase your level of participation or take up a new sport (e.g., netball, squash) because you ‘want to get fit’.
• Pay attention to what your body is telling you – if you feel faint, dizzy, nauseous, short of breath or suffer from swelling of your hands/feet stop exercising and rest.
• Recognise that your body shape, weight and weight distribution will change – if activities become uncomfortable stop doing them and discuss your discomfort and level of participation with your doctor or obstetrician.
• Check your medical benefits and insurance policy – is it appropriate and does it cover the sporting activity you’re engaged in?