Atividade física na gestação: benefícios, riscos e atividades recomendadas

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to assess what benefits the practice of physical activity during pregnancy can provide the pregnant woman. In addition, the main forms of physical activity that can be practiced by pregnant women and the risks and care that are associated with physical activity during pregnancy were also searched. This work was carried out through a literature review of scientific articles, books, theses and dissertations published in the 2000-2015 period without language restrictions. The papers were searched in Scopus databases, PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder and Scielo using the following keywords: pregnant, physical activity, pregnancy and exercise activity. Physical activity during pregnancy can prevent excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, improves cardiovascular fitness, reduces edema and joint and back pain as well as reduce the need for a cesarean section. There are numerous forms of physical activity that the mother can practice during pregnancy, since low-intensity exercise such as Yoga, even of moderate intensity such as walking and water exercises. The exercise program should be tailored by a qualified physical educator who has knowledge, training and experience to understand the physiological needs and the risk associated with pregnant woman practicing the exercise.