BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse, through a literature review, the benefits of physical exercise during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, taking into account aspects relating to maternal health, psychological well-being, physical fitness, the pelvic floor and diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles. This is a literature review based on guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and experimental and observational studies published in scientific journals, employing a qualitative methodological approach. The study aims to share care proposals to enhance individual health potential and raise awareness of the importance of physical exercise during the pre- and postnatal periods, in order to dispel misconceptions about what can and cannot be done in practice. It also aims to advance the field of Physical Education, with an emphasis on this specific area.