Active Pregnancy Webinar – A multigenerational public health issue

April 1, 2025, 9:00-10:30 am Portugal time (10:00-11:30 CET)

Language: Portuguese 

Recent studies highlight that maintaining physical activity and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy without contraindications brings several benefits to the health of the woman and the fetus. Physical fitness is considered a strong marker of health, as it is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and all-cause mortality at all ages. Some studies with pregnant women have highlighted the potential impact of higher levels of physical fitness on better maternal and fetal health. For public health, not only are the outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth relevant, but also the long-term health of the mother and child. Pregnancy presents an opportunity for health and exercise professionals to promote positive health behaviors by providing effective strategies and evidence-based resources.

In this webinar open to the community, several experts in the field of health and physical exercise will present the latest recommendations, resources, and strategies for promoting physical activity, fitness, nutrition, sleep and general health during pregnancy and postpartum.

Rita Santos Rocha (physical exercise and fitness), Santarém Polytechnic University

Cristina Nogueira Silva (gynecology), Braga Hospital

Rita Laranjo (midwifery), Évora Hospital

Paula Clara Santos (physiotherapy) Porto Polytechnic University

Rui Jorge (nutrition) Leiria Polytechnic University

Raquel Silva (sleep) Fernando Pessoa University

These initiatives are co-financed by the Minister of Science under the ‘Regional Excellence Initiative’ programme, Poland (within the “NEPPE – global promotion” project, PI: Anna Szumilewicz) 

and by national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., Portugal (within the project Active Pregnancy [2023.14896.PEX], PI: Rita Santos Rocha).