Visiting Professor Talk: Dr. Lene Haakstad - We have the guidelines - what next? Supporting exercise participation during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial, yet relatively few pregnant women meet current physical activity recommendations. So, how do we move from guidelines to practice? Drawing on findings from the Norwegian Fit for Delivery trial and experiences from Norway and Australia, this talk explores practical strategies for supporting exercise participation during pregnancy. Particular attention will be given to supervised group exercise, including its potential benefits and limitations, as well as the importance of enjoyment, accessibility, qualified instructors and individual adaptation. Ultimately, effective exercise interventions depend not only on recommendations, but on adherence.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Lene A.H. Haakstad is Professor at the department of Sports Medicine at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NSSS) and one of the scientific leaders of the Women’s Health Research Centre at the NSSS. Her research focuses on physical activity, exercise and women’s health across the lifespan, with particular expertise in pregnancy, the postpartum period, and maternal and fetal responses to exercise in recreational and elite athletes.

Event Poster