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THE RELEVANCE OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL
IN GUIDING EXERCISE AND ITS BENEFITS FOR WOMEN DURING
PREGNANCY
Mesias de Nazaré Campos Soares1
Rocilda Dias de Araujo2
José Carlos Vieira do Monte3
Vicente Miguel Paula de Melo Júnior4
Eriton Santos da Silva5
Paulo Emilio Gomes Dias6
Jorge Luis Martins da Costa7
Abstract: INTRODUCTION Thais papear explore lhe benfeito desligado scal exercesse durinha
pregnancy and. Lhe importante desligado Professional Fiscal Educativo guinche too censure afeta
and. Maximize positive out comes for pregam homem. The min ressarce problem. Si too understand
show lhe pratique desligado scal activities, under especialize guinche, can. Inuencie lhe scal and.
1 Bachelor’s and Licentiate’s Degree in Physical Education from the Vale do Acaraú State Uni-
versity - UVA; Specialist in Exercise Physiology from the Macapá College - FAMA (Anhanguera);
Specialist in Bodybuilding: Physical Conditioning, Prevention and Rehabilitation of Injuries from the
Facuminas EAD Institute - Facuminas; Master’s student in Public Health at the Inter-American Col-
lege of Social Sciences - FICS - Asunción. Paraguay.
2 Graduated in Chemistry from the State University of Amapá – UEAP; Bachelor in Physical
Education from the Paulista University – UNIP; Specialist in Media in Education from the Federal
University of Amapá – UNIFAP.
3 Bachelor of Physical Education - Paulista University UNIP.
4 Bachelor’s and Licentiate’s Degree in Physical Education - UNOPAR. Master’s Degree in Edu-
cational Science - UDESUR. Specialist in Health and Occupational Safety, Professional Education -
FATECH. Specialist in Physical Education and Psychomotricity - FACUVALE.
5 Bachelor of Physical Education-Paulista University-UNIP. Specialist in Sports Nutrition-STE-
TUS
6 Bachelor of Tourism-SEAMA. Bachelor of Physical Education- Paulista University-UNIP
7 Teacher Dr. in Public Health – Federal University of Amapá – UNIFAP
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Mental hialita desligado pregam homem. OBJECTIVE The stud ais too anualize and. Highlight lhe
positive impactos desligado regular scal exercesse durinha pregnancy, as gel as lhe mede for propor
professional guinche. METHODOLOGY The metodólogo involves a literature review, selecting and
analyzing relevant studies that address lhe relationship between scal exercesse and gestational health,
emphasizing lhe benets and necessary precautions to avoid complications. It includes scientic
articles, clinical practice guidelines, and recommendations from recognized health institutions,
indicating that regular scal exercesse durinha pregnancy signicantly contributes to lhe improvement
off cardiovascular, muscular, and mental health in pregnant women, in addition to assisting in weight
control and preventing gestational complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. The
presence off a Physical Education professional is crucial to adapting exercises to lhe individual needs off
pregnant women and ensuring lhe correct execution off activities, minimizing risks. CONCLUSIONThis
reafrms lhe importance off scal exercesse durinha pregnancy, highlighting lhe mede for professional
guinche to ensure safety and efcacy. The results obtained are relevant for promoting maternal and fetal
health, suggesting that lhe inclusion off a Physical Education professional in lhe monitoring off pregnant
women can enhance lhe benets off exercesse.
Keywords: scal exercesse, pregnancy, gestational health, Physical Education Professional, benets off
exercesse.
INTRODUCTION
The practice of physical exercises during pregnancy is a topic of great relevance in the
health area, being increasingly recognized for its multiple benets for both the mother and the fetus.
This study aims to investigate the positive impacts of physical activity for pregnant women, with a
special focus on the importance of monitoring by Physical Education professionals. Considering the
increased awareness of the importance of maternal and fetal health, this study seeks to contribute to
the development of safe and effective exercise practices during pregnancy. The context of this study
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is part of a scenario of growing interest in the promotion of health and well-being during pregnancy.
Recent studies have shown that regular physical exercise can prevent gestational complications,
improve the mental health of pregnant women, and promote healthy fetal development. However,
despite the recognized benets, there is still a certain fear on the part of pregnant women and health
professionals regarding the safety of physical exercises during pregnancy, especially without proper
professional guidance. The research problem that this work addresses is to understand how the practice
of physical exercises, supervised by Physical Education professionals, can positively impact the health
of pregnant women and the fetus, ensuring safety and efcacy.
The main question to be answered is: how can expert guidance maximize the benets of
physical exercise during pregnancy and minimize the associated risks? The objectives of this study
are broad and specic. The general objective is to evaluate the effects of regular physical exercise on
pregnant women, highlighting the importance of professional monitoring. Specic objectives include:
(1) to identify the cardiovascular, muscular, and psychological benets of exercise for pregnant women;
(2) discuss the importance of supervision by Physical Education professionals; (3) offer evidence-
based recommendations for safe exercise during pregnancy.
The rationale for this study is based on the need to provide clear and scientically based
information on the benets and safe practices of physical exercise during pregnancy. With the
increasing prevalence of gestational complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, and
the impact
METHODOLOGY
The present research was conducted through the Literature Review method, based mainly
on the analysis of existing theoretical and scientic contributions on the benets of physical exercise
during pregnancy, under the guidance of the physical educator. According to Lakatos (2001), the work
consists of searching for and compiling information from secondary sources, such as books, scientic
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articles, theses and dissertations, to theoretically support the study and provides a comprehensive
understanding of the theme allowing the identication of gaps in knowledge that can be addressed in the
research, using reliable sources such as PubMed, ACSM. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans:
ensuring the inclusion of relevant and up-to-date studies, to ensure the relevance and quality of the
sources included in the research, specic inclusion and exclusion criteria were established.
The inclusion criteria involved studies published in peer-reviewed scientic journals, articles
addressing the effects of physical exercise on maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, and studies
in Portuguese and English, to facilitate the analysis and comparison of the results on the other hand
the exclusion criteria comprised studies not peer-reviewed or published in journals with a low impact
factor, articles that do not directly address the relationship between physical exercise and health in
pregnancy, searches with inadequate samples or unclear and non-replicable methods, and duplicate
studies in different databases, to avoid redundancies.
Data collection was carried out through a systematic search in the selected database, using
keywords such as “physical exercise”, “pregnancy”, “benets”, “physical activity”, “physical educator”,
“maternal health” and “fetal health”. The results were ltered according to the established inclusion
and exclusion criteria. Each study was analyzed for methodology, results, and conclusions and read in
full for full inferences about the article in order to weave the texts between the authors found.
Data analysis was conducted qualitatively and quantitatively. Initially, the studies were
categorized according to the main topics addressed, such as prevention of complications, mental
health of pregnant women, and fetal development. Subsequently, a synthesis of the results was carried
out, highlighting the main ndings and identifying trends and discrepancies between the studies.
The meta-analysis was used, when applicable, to quantify the effects of physical exercise on
the variables of interest, this procedure allowed a comprehensive and grounded view of the impacts
of physical exercise during pregnancy under the guidance of the Physical Education professional,
providing a solid basis for the conclusions and recommendations of this work.
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GENERAL BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WITH THE
SUPERVISION OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR
IMPROVEMENTS
The practice of physical exercise during pregnancy is widely recognized as helping to maintain
the health of the heart and circulatory system, reducing the risk of gestational complications such as
gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, research indicates that physical exercise, in particular, is
effective in improving cardiovascular function in pregnant women, promoting better blood pressure
control and greater cardiac efciency (ACOG, 2020).
The practice of physical exercise has also been associated with improved blood circulation
and reduced peripheral vascular resistance. A study conducted by Perales et al. (2016) investigated
the impact of a supervised exercise program on pregnant women and found a signicant improvement
in endothelial function, which facilitates better blood circulation. The research highlighted that
these changes are benecial for both the mother and the fetus, improving placental perfusion and,
consequently, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the baby. The direct benets for cardiovascular
health, physical exercise during pregnancy can also help regulate blood glucose levels, preventing
the development of gestational diabetes, which is a signicant risk factor for future cardiovascular
disease. According to a study by Ming et al. (2018), pregnant women who exercise regularly have better
glycemic control, which reduces the risk of complications both during pregnancy and postpartum. The
study emphasizes the importance of including physical activities in the routine of pregnant women as
an effective preventive strategy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2020) recommends that
pregnant women perform at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, spread over
several days, the guidelines are based on evidence showing that regular physical activity is safe and
benecial for most pregnant women and can contribute signicantly to cardiovascular health, Low
impact exercises, such as strength training, walking, stationary cycling, and water exercises, are
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especially recommended to minimize the risk of injury and provide comfort during pregnancy. The
presence of a physical education professional during the practice of each modality is essential to ensure
the safety and effectiveness of the activities performed by pregnant women, this professional is trained
to develop personalized exercise programs, taking into account the individual needs of each pregnant
woman, and adapt the exercises according to the physiological changes that occurred throughout
pregnancy, evaluating the intensity, posture and correct execution technique, thus preventing the risk
of injuries and complications during the practice of the exercise.
Studies have shown that the supervision of a physical education professional improves the
adherence of pregnant women to exercise programs and increases the benets obtained. According to
Perales et al. (2016), professional guidance provides greater security and condence for pregnant women,
encouraging the continuity of exercise. This is especially important for those who have no prior experience
with physical activity, as professional support can help them overcome fears and uncertainties related to
exercise during pregnancy. Thus, it is evident that physical exercise during pregnancy offers important
cardiovascular benets, helping to maintain heart health, regulate blood pressure, and improve blood
circulation. These positive effects contribute to the prevention of gestational complications and promote a
healthier pregnancy for both mother and baby. With the guidance and supervision of a physical
education professional, pregnant women can maximize these benets by performing safe and effective
activities tailored to their specic needs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WEIGHT CONTROL DURING PREGNANCY.
Weight control is a crucial aspect during pregnancy, as excessive weight gain is associated
with several complications, both for the mother and the baby, regular physical exercise plays a key role
in maintaining healthy weight gain during pregnancy, the practice of moderate physical activities such
as strength training, walking, swimming and low-impact aerobic exercises, help control weight gain,
avoiding excess body fat and promoting the general health of the pregnant woman (ACSM, 2014).
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A meta-analysis study conducted by Bernardo et al. (2023) evaluated the effects of physical
exercise on gestational weight gain and found that women who exercised regularly during pregnancy
had signicantly less weight gain compared to those who did not exercise, the study highlighted that
physical activity can reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and
preeclampsia, conditions often associated with excessive weight gain, we highlight the fundamental
presence of the physical education professional in the context, who provides specialized guidance and
adapts to the exercises and specic needs of each pregnant woman.
According to research by Mottola and Davenport (2019), professional supervision during
exercise can increase pregnant women’s adherence to the physical activity program, promoting better
results in terms of weight control and health, maintaining adequate body composition, favoring lean
mass retention and limiting fat accumulation. According to the research of Sánchez-Polán et al. (2021),
pregnant women who perform resistance exercises have a greater preservation of muscle mass and
a lower amount of body fat. This maintenance of muscle mass is crucial, as it facilitates the return
to pre-gestational weight and improves functional capacity after childbirth, regular physical exercise
during pregnancy has a positive effect on basal metabolism, increasing energy expenditure and
helping to regulate body weight. A study by Kersten et al. (2014) demonstrated that active pregnant
women had a higher basal metabolism compared to sedentary pregnant women. This increase in
energy expenditure contributes to better weight control during pregnancy, preventing excessive fat
accumulation, the benets of weight control during pregnancy also extend to the postpartum period.
The research by Davenport et al. (2018) showed that women who exercised regularly during pregnancy
had less difculty losing the weight gained during pregnancy, this is due, in part, to the maintenance
of healthy habits and a higher level of physical tness, which facilitate the resumption of physical
activities after the birth of the baby.
The follow-up of a physical education professional in the postpartum period is crucial to
help new mothers establish an adequate exercise routine, promoting weight loss in a healthy and safe
way. According to Stafne et al. (2012) apud Hubner et al. (2022), professional guidance contributes
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signicantly to the physical and emotional recovery of women after childbirth, the regular practice
of physical exercise during pregnancy is an effective strategy for weight control, helping to prevent
physiological and motor complications and promoting greater maintenance of healthy body composition
not only benets the mother’s health, but it also contributes to proper fetal development, promoting
a safer and healthier pregnancy.
THE ATTRIBUTION OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE TO MENTAL HEALTH.
The mental health of pregnant women is a growing concern, as pregnancy is a period
of great physical and emotional changes. Physical exercise has proven to be an important ally in
promoting psychological well-being during pregnancy. Studies indicate that regular physical activity
can signicantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and increase the sense
of overall well-being (Barakat et al., 2015).
The guidance of a Physical Education professional is essential to ensure that the exercises
are performed safely and effectively, in addition to providing emotional and motivational support for
pregnant women. This professional adapts the exercises to the individual needs of pregnant women,
considering their specic physical and emotional conditions, and offers guidance on the intensity and
appropriate frequency of physical activities (Nascimento et al., 2012 apud Worska et al., 2024). A
study conducted by Barakat et al. (2015) highlighted that pregnant women who engage in moderate
physical activity, such as walking and yoga, have lower levels of anxiety and depression compared
to those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The authors attributed these benets to the increase in the
production of endorphins, hormones responsible for the feeling of pleasure and well-being, and to
the improvement in sleep quality, often impaired during pregnancy. In addition, regular physical
exercise can improve the self-image and self-esteem of pregnant women. According to the research of
Poyatos-León et al. (2017), pregnant women who exercise regularly report a more positive perception
of their body and a greater satisfaction with the body changes associated with pregnancy, this positive
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perception can contribute to the reduction of stress and the promotion of a more optimistic attitude
towards pregnancy and childbirth.
The Physical Education professional plays an extremely important role in creating a
supportive and encouraging environment, where pregnant women can feel safe to share their concerns
and challenges, the presence of this professional helps to build pregnant women’s condence in their
physical and emotional abilities, promoting integral well-being (Stafne et al., 2012 apud Hubner et
al., 2022)
Physical activity has an essential signicance in preventing postpartum mood disorders.
A study by Davenport et al. (2018) revealed that women who maintain an exercise routine during
pregnancy have a signicantly lower risk of developing postpartum depression. Research has suggested
that continued exercise in the postpartum period is essential to sustain the psychological benets
acquired during pregnancy, another important contribution of physical exercise to the mental health of
pregnant women is the promotion of social interactions and the reduction of isolation, participation in
exercise groups or group classes provides opportunities for socialization and sharing of experiences,
which can be particularly benecial for women who face emotional difculties during pregnancy
(Du et al., 2019). These social interactions are key to building a support network, which can offer
emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness.
In the meantime, regular physical exercise during pregnancy is an effective strategy to
improve the mental health of pregnant women. In addition to reducing symptoms of anxiety and
depression, exercise promotes a positive self-image, prevents postpartum mood disorders, and
facilitates socialization, contributing to overall psychological well-being. These benets reinforce the
importance of including physical activities in the routine of pregnant women, providing a healthier and
more emotionally balanced pregnancy. The presence of a Physical Education professional is essential
in this process, offering support, guidance and motivation to pregnant women.
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INFLUENCES MUSCLE AND BONE STRENGTHENING DURING PREGNANCY.
Muscle and bone strengthening is one of the most important benets of physical
exercise for pregnant women, the regular practice of physical activities that involve strength and
endurance, such as weight exercises (strength training) and weight-bearing activities, contributes
signicantly to the maintenance of muscle mass and bone density, preventing loss of strength
and conditions related to weakness Bone. During pregnancy, adaptations are essential to support
physical changes and increased body weight (Du et al., 2019).
The contribution of the Physical Education professional is paramount to ensure that the
exercises are performed safely and effectively, with the adjustment and selection of exercise programs
to meet the individual needs of each pregnant woman, promoting muscle strengthening without
causing overload or risk of injury (Nascimento et al., 2012 apud Worska et al., 2024).
According to Artal et al. (2016), resistance training exercises performed on a regular basis
help improve muscle strength in pregnant women by facilitating the support of additional weight and
postural changes that occur during pregnancy, these exercises not only strengthen muscles but also
improve joint stability, reducing the risk of injury.
Physical exercise also contributes to the maintenance of bone health. According to the
research of Poyatos-Léon et al. (2015), the regular practice of activities that promote bone load, such
as walking and resistance training exercises, help stimulate bone formation and prevent the loss of
bone mass during pregnancy, this effect is important to prevent conditions such as osteoporosis in the
future. Maintaining good bone health during pregnancy is essential to ensure the mobility and quality
of life of the pregnant woman.
The guidance of the Physical Education professional is also essential in the prevention
of complications such as diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle, through specic exercises to
strengthen the abdominal muscles, this professional can help reduce the incidence and severity of
diastasis, facilitating postpartum recovery and improving abdominal muscle function (Michalska et
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al., 2018). The presence of this professional provides a safe and effective approach to strengthening the
core, essential during and after pregnancy, muscle and bone strengthening through physical exercise
contributes to the improvement of blood circulation and venous return, preventing the appearance of
edema and varicose veins, common problems during pregnancy. The research by Budler & Budler
(2022) highlights that active pregnant women have a lower incidence of swelling and discomfort in
the legs, beneting from the improvement in circulation provided by physical exercise. The Physical
Education professional plays an essential role in guiding and supervising physical activities, ensuring
that each exercise is appropriate to the stage of pregnancy and the specic conditions of the woman.
This specialized follow-up helps to maximize the benets of physical exercise, promoting the
health and well-being of the pregnant woman in a safe and efcient way (Santos-Rocha et al., 2022).
With this, the regular practice of physical exercises promotes muscle and bone strengthening is highly
recommended for pregnant women. In addition to providing support to the body during gestational
changes, physical exercise contributes to the mother’s overall health and facilitates a faster and more
effective postpartum recovery. The inclusion of physical activities in the routine of pregnant women
should be encouraged as part of a holistic approach to a healthy and balanced pregnancy.
IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY IS ESSENTIAL DURING PREGNANCY.
The practice of physical exercises during pregnancy is of fundamental importance in
improving the exibility and mobility of pregnant women, fundamental aspects for well-being and
quality of life during this period. Regular stretching and exercises that promote exibility help reduce
muscle stiffness and improve joint range of motion, which is particularly benecial as the body
adapts to the physical changes of pregnancy (Du et al., 2019). Stretching and mobility exercises are
recommended for pregnant women. A study by Field (2016) showed that the regular practice of these
exercises during pregnancy signicantly improves the exibility and mobility of pregnant women,
research shows that women who practiced exibility and mobility exercises reported less muscle
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pain and discomfort, in addition to greater ease of movement in daily activities, this contributes to
the reduction of stress and the improvement of mental health, providing a double benet for pregnant
women.
Improved exibility and mobility also have a positive impact on the preparation for childbirth.
According to research by Kwon et al. (2020), pregnant women who maintain a routine of stretching
exercises have an easier time during labor, due to the greater elasticity of the muscles and ligaments
involved in the process, resulting in a faster and less painful delivery, in addition to reducing the
risk of injury during childbirth. In addition, maintaining exibility and mobility can help prevent
and relieve lower back pain, a common complaint among pregnant women, stretching exercises for
the upper limbs directed at the spine and strengthening the muscles of the back and abdomen, are
effective in maintaining correct posture and reducing tension in the lower back (Dipietro et al., 2019).
This approach can provide signicant relief from back pain, improving the quality of life for pregnant
women. Another important benet of improved exibility and mobility is the prevention of edema
and leg cramps, which are common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and changes
in circulation. A study by Barakat et al. (2019) showed that pregnant women who practice stretching
exercises regularly have a lower incidence of leg swelling and cramps. Practicing exercises such as
swimming, which combines stretching and resistance, can be especially benecial, as it improves
circulation and promotes muscle relaxation. It is important to mention that the inclusion of exercises
that promote exibility and mobility in the routine of pregnant women is essential to ensure a more
comfortable and healthy pregnancy. In addition to reducing pain and discomfort, these exercises
prepare the body for childbirth and improve postpartum recovery. Regular physical activity that
focuses on exibility should be encouraged as part of a comprehensive care plan for pregnant women.
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PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CARE UNDER
THE SUPERVISION OF A PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL.
One of the key factors to be taken into account is the training variables, “frequency, duration
and intensity of exercises”.
Dening the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical exercise during pregnancy is
crucial to ensure health benets without compromising the safety of the mother and baby. Current
recommendations suggest that pregnant women should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity physical activity per week, spread over at least three days, with preferences for daily sessions
(Mottola et al., 2018). This exercise regimen should be adjusted according to the physical condition
of the pregnant woman and under the guidance of a health professional, the presence of the physical
education professional is important in this aspect to play a fundamental role in guiding pregnant
women regarding the frequency, duration and intensity of exercises, ideal frequency of exercises
for pregnant women is three to ve times a week, studies indicate that regular exercise, rather than
sporadic sessions, offers greater cardiovascular and muscle benets (Du et al., 2019).
Regular exercise helps maintain a constant level of physical tness, in addition to contributing
to the control of weight gain and the improvement of psychological well-being, the duration of each
exercise session can vary between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of activity and the level
of conditioning of the pregnant woman, research shows that shorter and more frequent sessions can
be as effective as longer sessions, as long as the intensity of the exercise is maintained (Barakat et al.,
2019).
During the second and third trimesters, the duration of sessions can be adjusted to
accommodate the increased fatigue and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, the
intensity of exercises should be moderate, avoiding strenuous activities that may cause overload or
injury, moderate-intensity exercises are dened as those that allow the pregnant woman to talk during
the activity, but cannot sing (Poyatos-Léon et al., 2015).
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Subjective perception of exertion (RPE) can be a useful tool to monitor intensity,
recommending an RPE between 12 and 14 on a scale of 6 to 20 (Riebe et al., 2015). The heart rate
can also be monitored, with safe values varying according to the age and previous physical condition
of the pregnant woman, the monitoring of a physical education professional is essential to adjust
the intensity and ensure that the pregnant woman does not exceed safe limits. Adapting exercise
intensity is particularly important as pregnancy progresses. During the rst trimester, most women
can continue with exercise intensity similar to that practiced before pregnancy, as long as they have
medical approval. In the second and third trimesters, it may be necessary to reduce the intensity to
avoid cardiovascular overload and ensure the safety of the fetus (Clapp, 1990 apud Francis, 2024).
High-impact exercises or those that involve a risk of falling should be avoided, giving preference to
low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and yoga. The physical education professional is
crucial in this process, helping the pregnant woman to make the necessary adaptations and select the
safest and most effective exercises. The combination of frequency, duration and adequate intensity of
physical exercises not only improves the cardiovascular and muscular health of pregnant women, but
also contributes to a smoother delivery and a faster postpartum recovery. In addition, regular exercise
has been associated with lower
THE MONITORING OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL AND SUPERVI-
SION IN PHYSICAL EXERCISE.
During the gestation period, although widely recommended, the monitoring of the physical
education professional is essential to ensure that the benets are maximized and the risks minimized,
the supervision of a health professional, such as a physiotherapist or physical education professional,
is crucial to adapt the exercises to the individual needs of each pregnant woman, considering her
physical conditions and the stage of pregnancy.
According to Barakat et al. (2015), professional guidance can help prevent injuries and
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complications, in addition to providing a safe and encouraging environment for the practice of physical
activities, the individualization of exercises is one of the most important aspects of professional
monitoring, each pregnant woman has a different level of physical tness and response to exercise,
Requiring a personalized exercise plan, studies demonstrate that supervised exercise programs can
signicantly improve cardiovascular tness, muscle strength, and exibility, while reducing the risk
of conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertension (Mottola et al., 2018).
These programs can also help relieve common discomforts in pregnancy, such as back pain
and edema (Du et al., 2019), professional follow-up ensures that the intensity and duration of exercises
are appropriate.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is
essential to monitor exercise intensity to avoid overload. Healthcare professionals use tools such as
the exertion perception scale and heart rate monitoring to adjust the intensity of exercises, ensuring
that the pregnant woman exercises safely and effectively (ACOG, 2020). Supervision also plays a vital
role in educating pregnant women about warning signs that may indicate the need to stop physical
activity. Trained professionals are able to teach pregnant women to recognize warning signs, such as
abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or excessive shortness of breath, which require immediate medical
attention (Budler & Budler, 2022).
Such continuous attention contributes to the autonomy of the pregnant woman, allowing
her to make informed choices about her health and well-being during pregnancy, the supervised
environment also provides an opportunity for emotional and social support, participating in group
exercise programs can foster a sense of community and support among pregnant women, which is
especially benecial for mental health. Studies indicate that positive social interaction and emotional
support can reduce levels of anxiety and depression during pregnancy (Mittelmark et al., 2022).
Therefore, professional monitoring and supervision of physical exercises during pregnancy
not only ensure that activities are carried out safely, but also enhance the benets for the physical and
mental health of the pregnant woman, specialized guidance, personalization of exercises, education
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about warning signs and emotional support are essential elements that justify the need for professional
monitoring in the practice of physical activities during pregnancy. pregnancy.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
This study aimed to investigate the benets of physical exercise during pregnancy, with
emphasis on the role of the Physical Education professional. Through a comprehensive analysis of the
existing literature, the positive effects of physical activities on maternal and fetal health, the importance
of professional support and recommendations for the safe practice of exercise during pregnancy were
discussed, the research was motivated by the growing interest in understanding how physical exercise
can improve the health of pregnant women and the fetus, considering the crucial role of the Physical
Education professional. Fundamental concepts such as the prevention of gestational complications,
improvements in the mental health of pregnant women and fetal development were discussed.
The central factor that guided this study was to understand how the practice of
physical exercises, supervised by a Physical Education professional, impacts the health of pregnant
women and the fetus, considering the risks and benets. Involving a systematic literature review,
selecting relevant studies published in peer-reviewed scientic journals, using the inclusion criteria
that directly addressed the effects of physical exercise during pregnancy, the objectives were achieved,
with the identication of signicant benets for the cardiovascular, mental and general health of
pregnant women, in addition to reinforcing the importance of professional follow-up. It was evidenced
that the regular practice of physical exercise during pregnancy, when supervised by a qualied
professional, provides improvements in cardiovascular health, reduced risk of gestational hypertension
and preeclampsia, as well as mental health benets, such as reduced anxiety and depression.
In these terms, the importance of the emotional and social support provided by the Physical
Education professional was highlighted, which contributes to a positive and supportive environment,
for future research, it is recommended to explore in more detail the effects of different types of
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physical exercises and their intensities in pregnant women with specic health conditions. In addition,
longitudinal studies could provide a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts of physical
exercise during pregnancy on child development. The integration of new technologies for monitoring
and personalization of exercise programs is also a promising eld to be investigated. This study
reafrms the importance of physical exercise during pregnancy and the essential role of the Physical
Education professional in promoting a safe and benecial practice for maternal and fetal health.
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ACSM. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2014. Disponível em: <
https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/trending-topics resources/physicalactivity-guidelines >.
Acesso em: 9 jul. 2024;
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). Physical Activity and
Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Number 804. Obstet Gynecol.
2020 Apr;135(4):e178-e188. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003772. PMID: 32217980.
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