Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth. Protection against maternity discrimination extends for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Equality Act 2010
Context
There were 46,957 live births in Scotland in 2022
The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that pregnant women should carry out 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. The recommendation aims to reduce issues such as obesity, diabetes and other health concerns during pregnancy.
Data shows that maternal obesity in Scotland continues to rise. In 2022, the proportion of pregnant women recorded as overweight or obese was 56.9%. Overweightness and obesity increases among those living in areas with the highest levels of deprivation; 61.1% of those in the most deprived areas, compared to 48.9% in the least deprived areas. Maternal BMI also increases among older age categories; 40.8% of those under 20, and 61.6% of those over 40. A higher proportion of African (67.2%) and Caribbean and Black (70.4%) women giving birth were overweight or obese. Women giving birth from these ethnic groups were also more likely to be likely in the most deprived areas (48.6% and 45.5.% respectively).
Physical activity and sport
There isn't enough national data on pregnancy and maternity and sport and physical activity.
See the equality and sport research for more information on our characteristics and physical activity.
