Keywords
pregnant women
pregnancy care
recommendations
ejercicio
mujer embarazada
cuidado del embarazo
recomendaciones
exercício
gestante
cuidados na gavidez
recomendações
How to Cite
Abstract
Objectives. To develop Australian guidelines on physical activity/exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Design. Critical ‘umbrella’ reviews of the scientific evidence, combined with adaptation of recently published guidelines. Methods: A five stage approach included: identification of key source documents (including national physical activity/exercise guidelines and position statements from professional organizations, published since 2010); narrative review of evidence relating to 27 health outcomes; summarizing the evidence; development of draft guidelines and supporting information; and review and consultation to finalize the guidelines. Results. Our evidence review found that physical activity/exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period is safe, has health benefits for the woman and her unborn child, and may reduce the risks of some pregnancy related complications. Four specific guidelines were developed. These encourage all women without pregnancy complications to: (1) meet the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Guidelines for Adults before, during and after pregnancy; (2) modify activities to accommodate the physical changes that occur as pregnancy progresses; (3) do pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy; and (4) take an active role in shared decision-making about their physical activity/exercise during and after pregnancy. The review also identified warning signs and contraindications for physical activity/exercise during pregnancy. Conclusions. All women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should be aware of the benefits of physical activity/exercise, and health professionals should encourage safe levels of activity and be familiar with the contraindications, signs and symptoms which suggest that physical activity/exercise should be modified or avoided.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Wendy J. Brown, Melanie Hayman, Lene A.H. Haakstad, Tayla Lamerton, Gabriela P. Mena, Anita Green, Shelley E. Keating, Grace A. O. Gomes, Jeff S. Coombes, Gregore I. Mielke