«Barriguinhas Desportistas» promotes physical exercise, health and well-being for pregnant women. Free registration.
The Barriguinhas Desportistas physical activity project is a pioneer and promotes the practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. The sessions take place at the Multiusos de Guimarães (every Tuesday and Thursday from 09:00 am to 10:00 am) and at the Municipal Swimming Pool Complex (on Saturdays, at 14:15 pm). Teachers and participants will have to comply with the health rules established and in force at the facilities).
Registration is mandatory and done by filling in the online form freetime.esport.com.pt . Upon registration, participants must present a medical certificate that confirms their physical strength and detects any clinical situation that impedes the practice of physical activity.
First launched in 2015 and resumed in 2018 as a result of a partnership established between the Guimarães City Council, the Tempo Livre, Universidade do Minho and Hospital de Guimarães - Senhora da Oliveira, Barriguinhas Desportistas is the result of the success achieved when Tempo Livre, supported by partner entities, has implemented sports services geared to meet the specific needs of pregnant women.
The program's mission is to combat sedentary lifestyle among pregnant women and excessive weight gain during pregnancy, as well as to promote healthy practices and lifestyles at such a special stage in a woman's life.
Since 2015, 179 women have participated in this program and the results obtained have been very positive. In fact, it has been shown that the practice of physical exercise in pregnancy promotes multiple benefits not only for the pregnant woman, but also for the baby. The reduction of high blood pressure and diabetes problems, the control of weight gain, the preparation of labor and the reduction of back pain, are some of the identified benefits.
Demystify the practice of physical exercise during pregnancy, increase the number of active women and, consequently, keep them active after childbirth, increase the likelihood that the children of active mothers will become active children, and raise awareness of the positive health impacts and well-being of women and babies, are some of the achievements that this innovative project pursues.
