Atividade física e saúde de mulheres gestantes: um estudo de revisão

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze, through a narrative literature review, the effects of physical activity during pregnancy, considering both physiological and psychosocial aspects. The research was based on twenty studies published between 2020 and 2025, selected for their relevance and alignment with the topic. The methodology involved the collection, critical reading, and synthesis of the main findings of these studies, focusing on their methodological approaches, objectives, results, and conclusions. The analysis revealed that physical activity during pregnancy is associated with several benefits for the health of both the mother and the fetus, including the prevention of obstetric complications, reduced risk of gestational diabetes, weight control, improved cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance, as well as enhanced emotional well-being and women's autonomy. The selected studies featured methodological diversity, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, observational and experimental designs, literature reviews, and technical-normative documents. It was also noted that most studies focused on white, middle-class women living in urban areas, revealing a significant gap in the representation of historically marginalized groups. The discussion also addressed the conceptual differentiation between physical activity, physical exercise, and body practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding these practices within an expanded health perspective. It is concluded that the promotion of physical activity during pregnancy should be conducted in a humanized manner, considering each woman’s specificities, social and cultural context, and supported by public policies that ensure access to information, professional guidance, and respectful care throughout the gestational process.