Insights Into the Health of Postpartum Airmen From the U.S. Air Force Fitness Database.

This article examines the impact of pregnancy and postpartum recovery on Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) outcomes among U.S. Air Force female airmen, including active duty, Air Force Reserve (AFR), and Air National Guard (ANG) members. Using data from the Air Force Fitness Management System II (AFFMS II) from 2015 to 2019, the study found that despite a 12-month postpartum recovery exemption, postpartum airmen scored lower, had reduced passing rates, and experienced higher rates of component exemptions—often indicative of injury—compared to their pre-pregnancy performance and to nulliparous peers. Reserve force postpartum members showed larger score declines but fewer exemptions than active duty counterparts. The findings suggest that extended recovery time alone is insufficient for full fitness recovery postpartum, and recommend implementing comprehensive maternal wellness programs with tailored physical fitness training, enhanced medical oversight, and integrated care to improve readiness, reduce injuries, and support perinatal airmen across all components.