[Recommendations for physical exercise practice during pregnancy: a critical review]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Sports Medicine
• Public Health

Context:

• Physical exercise is recommended for healthy pregnant women, yet adoption rates are low due to safety concerns.
• Lack of systematic models for exercise guidance during pregnancy necessitates evidence-based recommendations.

Purpose:

• To inform healthcare professionals in Brazil about current, evidence-based recommendations for physical exercise during pregnancy.
• To provide practical information on exercise indications, contraindications, and modalities for different gestational trimesters.

Summary:

• The review synthesizes scientific evidence on exercise during pregnancy, covering low-risk and special populations (athletes, obese, hypertensive, diabetic).
• Recommendations include specific guidance on aerobic exercise, resistance training, stretching, and pelvic floor training, tailored to each trimester.
• The importance of an active lifestyle during and after gestation is emphasized, highlighting pregnancy as a key period for habit formation.

Impact:

• Aims to increase the safe practice of physical exercise among pregnant women by empowering healthcare providers with clear guidelines.
• Promotes long-term health benefits for both mother and child through sustained healthy lifestyle habits.
• Addresses a gap in systematic models for exercise prescription in prenatal care.