Rio Maior

Research supports that an active lifestyle helps prevent and treat pregnancy-related health issues such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, obesity, low back pain, urinary incontinence, anxiety, and depression. It also helps maintain fitness, functionality, and improves postpartum recovery. Despite this knowledge, many pregnant and postpartum women lack proper exercise guidance, and physical inactivity remains common. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for virtual health programs, but few studies have evaluated their effectiveness compared to in-person options. This trial compares in-person versus online supervised prenatal exercise programs for pregnant women between 13 and 20 weeks gestation without contraindications to exercise. The 12-week program includes aerobic, coordination, strength, postural, stretching, balance, and pelvic floor exercises delivered by qualified exercise physiologists. Sessions occur twice weekly for 60 minutes and follow international guidelines. Participants can attend in person at fitness centers, universities, or hospitals, or join online from home. Participants complete questionnaires and fitness tests before and after the 12-week program to assess physical activity, fitness, and healthy lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and stress. Researchers measure outcomes including strength, balance, flexibility, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. They will also evaluate satisfaction with the intervention and educational resources such as the Active Pregnancy Guide and YouTube channel. The study aims to inform future exercise recommendations and public health strategies for pregnant women.