A qualitative exploration of Australian women's experiences of returning to physical activity after early pregnancy loss.

Early pregnancy loss is common and can have significant physical and psychological impacts on women. Physical activity may support emotional and physical recovery; however, no specific guidelines exist for women following early pregnancy loss, and little is known about their experiences of returning to activity. This study explored how women navigated their return to physical activity after early pregnancy loss. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had experienced early pregnancy loss in Australia, and data were analysed thematically. Three key themes were generated: 1. A lack of clear professional guidance about physical activity increases uncertainty, 2. The complexity of deciding when to return to physical activity, and 3. The perceived benefits of physical activity during recovery. No participants reported receiving proactive advice about physical activity from health professionals, contributing to uncertainty about how to safely resume activity. Participants' decisions about returning to activity were shaped by physical symptoms, emotional readiness, past exercise experiences and social relationships. All participants described meaningful benefits from re-engaging in physical activity, including emotional relief, well-being, and a sense of control. These findings highlight the need for flexible, evidence-informed physical activity guidance that reflects both the emotional and physical dimensions of recovery following early pregnancy loss.