Evidence-Based and Practice-Oriented Guidelines for Exercising During Pregnancy

Abstract

Physical activity is associated with many health benefits during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. The last two decades produced an increasing amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of the prenatal physical activity on the maternal and fetal health, as well as in pregnancy outcomes. However, authors from different countries observe insufficient level of physical activity in pregnant women. The lack of information among women on the exercises during pregnancy and lack of social support are two of the reasons hindering engagement in a prenatal exercise program. According to other studies, the knowledge of health benefits can lead to more favorable attitudes toward exercise during pregnancy, among women, exercise professionals, and healthcare providers. The purpose of this chapter is to review the information provided in the current guidelines for exercise during pregnancy in different countries, regarding the contents related to prenatal exercise programs.