Sports Belly

The Barriguinhas Desportistas physical activity project is a pioneer and promotes the practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. 

First launched in 2015 and resumed in 2018 as a result of a partnership established between the Guimarães City Council, the Tempo Livre, the University of Minho and the Hospital of Guimarães – Senhora da Oliveira, the Barriguinhas Desportistas project is the result of the success achieved when the 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.