Why Pregnancy and Motherhood in Sports Deserve Our Support More Than Ever
Pregnancy and motherhood in professional sports remain taboo topics—yet they shouldn’t be.
Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman recently opened up about her tough fertility journey and the judgment she faced simply for wanting to become a mother. Her story, shared in a candid interview on the BBC (read here), shines a spotlight on a conversation long overdue: why pregnancy and motherhood deserve active support, not stigma, in the athletic world.
Why does motherhood still feel like “off limits” in sports?
For many female athletes — and women in demanding careers alike — deciding to start a family can feel like a professional risk. Chelsea Pitman recalls moments when she felt judged by colleagues and organizations because she wanted babies. This isn’t just about individual discomfort: It's about systemic challenges women face balancing fertility and career demands.
But the tide is turning. Thanks to increased awareness and the generosity of voices like Pitman’s, the sports community is beginning to embrace the idea that having children should never be at odds with being a professional athlete or coach.
The fertility journey is deeply personal and often complex.
Chelsea’s story isn’t unique. Many people struggle with fertility — whether due to medical conditions, timing, or other barriers. And while professional athletes may appear physically dominant, that doesn’t shield them from fertility challenges.
This is where technology and innovations in home-based conception solutions are creating game-changing possibilities. Companies specializing in at-home insemination kits, like MakeAMom, provide accessible, discreet, and cost-effective options for individuals and couples trying to conceive outside clinical settings. Their products adapt to diverse needs, from low motility sperm to users with sensitivities, empowering people to take control of their fertility journey on their own terms.
Why does this matter for female athletes and professionals?
For women whose schedules are packed with training, travel, and competition, flexible fertility solutions can be life-changing. The ability to pursue pregnancy attempts at home, with privacy and convenience, can alleviate some of the stress that comes with fertility treatments.
Supporting motherhood in sports means embracing these advances and removing the outdated stigma so many face. It means recognizing that becoming a mother is not a detour, but a fundamental part of many women’s lives. When teams and organizations uplift players and staff through their fertility journeys—with understanding, flexible policies, and access to resources—they foster healthier, more inclusive environments.
What can we learn from Chelsea Pitman’s courage?
Her openness challenges us all to rethink our assumptions — that fertility is something to hide, that motherhood is a “distraction,” or that athletes must choose between their dreams and their families.
By spotlighting her experience, Chelsea gives a voice to a broader community of women juggling the pressures of career and conception. And her story is a call to action for sports bodies, employers, and society at large to create supportive frameworks around fertility and parenthood.
Where can you find support if you’re on this journey?
If you’re inspired by Chelsea’s story and navigating your own path to parenthood, know that options exist which prioritize your comfort, privacy, and success. Resources like the MakeAMom website offer in-depth information about home insemination kits designed for a variety of needs. These reusable kits provide a discreet, cost-effective alternative to clinical inseminations — helping many individuals and couples to fulfill their dreams of parenthood in a way that suits their lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy and motherhood should never be taboo in sports or any profession. By sharing stories like Chelsea Pitman’s and embracing innovations in fertility support, we move closer to a future where women don’t have to choose between family and career.
Are you or someone you know facing similar challenges? What support or changes would make the biggest difference in your journey? Share your thoughts below — let’s keep this important conversation going.
Because every woman deserves the chance to be a champion—in sport and in life.