United States Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has revealed that US soccer are developing a new pregnancy protocol for the USWNT team, following Lynn Biyendolo’s pregnancy announcement.
With the recent pregnancy announcement from Seattle Reign and USWNT striker Lynn Biyendolo, Hayes has unveiled a new maternity protocol for players balancing professional soccer and motherhood.
New pregnancy protocol for USWNT stars
Biyendolo will step away from the game in the coming months as she prepares to welcome her first child with her husband, Marley Williams.
During a recent press conference, Hayes outlined a new, more personalised approach designed to meet the unique needs of each athlete.
“I know [Biyendolo] will be supported like all of our players in their pregnancy,” Hayes said.
“[The protocol will focus on] how to combine the right things in the right ways and the right specialisms around so that players feel supported—that through their journey of having a baby, they feel like they’re doing the right things.”
Hayes emphasised that player wellbeing remains at the core of the program. Several members of the national team, including Sophia Wilson—who recently gave birth—and Mallory Swanson—currently expecting—are already following existing maternity guidelines. The new system aims to build on this foundation with greater medical and performance coordination.
For Hayes, the main goal is to ensure players return to competition without risking their health or performance.
“But it will also get them back in the safest way possible, depending if it’s a natural pregnancy or if it is a C-section,” she added.
This individualised recovery process will allow medical and training staff to tailor return-to-play plans based on each player’s circumstances. Hayes has made it clear that reintegration will not be rushed. Instead, the team will focus on physical readiness and emotional confidence to make sure players feel fully supported both on and off the field.
Congrats, Lynn and Marley 🫶 We can’t wait to meet baby Biyendolo! pic.twitter.com/v2NOmfSNpL
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 25, 2025
What is FIFA’s pregnancy regulations?
Under FIFA regulations, clubs must grant players a minimum of 14 weeks of maternity leave, with at least eight of those weeks following the birth.
This policy has been the global standard for several years, but the U.S. Women’s National Team is now preparing to take an additional step forward.
Under FIFA’s policy, it is also the right of a player to decide whether or not to continue playing once she knows she is pregnant – as long as her and the baby’s health is not at risk.
There is also special protection when it comes to dismissals from clubs and compensation in case of an unfair dismissal.
Will Lynn Biyendolo be back in time for the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
Biyendolo recently shared her pregnancy news with fans and teammates, receiving an outpouring of support from the soccer community.
Although she will be taking time away from soccer, the striker still has two years remaining on her Seattle Reign contract. After helping the U.S. win gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, she could be poised for a significant comeback at the 2027 World Cup.
That tournament could also mark a new era for the USWNT. It will be the first World Cup in over twenty years without Alex Morgan or Megan Rapinoe—two legends whose influence shaped the team’s identity.
Morgan was recently honoured before the USA’s defeat to Portugal, as they celebrated her legendary career.
Hayes has already begun blending experienced players like Biyendolo with rising young talents as she builds toward Brazil 2027.
While the final squad remains far from decided, Biyendolo’s leadership and experience keep her firmly in contention for a starting spot once she returns.
