Percepção materna sobre a influência do Método de Dança BellyMamãe® durante a gravidez e puerpério

Abstract

Introduction: Dance interventions adapted for health promote physical, emotional, and psychosocial benefits for pregnant and postpartum women, including improved body awareness, emotional regulation, and strengthening of the mother-infant bond. Despite these positive effects, there is a scarcity of studies on integrative body practices in this population. In this context, the BellyMamãe® Method, based on belly dancing adapted for pregnant and postpartum women, is configured as a therapeutic proposal aimed at promoting maternal health and the mother-baby bond. Objective: To analyze the perception of pregnant and postpartum women who underwent dance intervention using the BellyMamãe® Method. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach, with a sample composed of 16 women who participated in the BellyMamãe® Method during pregnancy and/or postpartum. Data collection was carried out electronically, through a structured questionnaire in Google Forms, containing sociodemographic and obstetric information, satisfaction with the method, and the influence of dance on functional limitations. Pregnant women, postpartum women, and mothers with babies up to 24 months old were included, while those with less than one month of participation in the method or a history of abortion during the evaluated pregnancy were excluded. Results: The sample had an average age of 37 years, predominantly married women with higher education and regular physical activity, with the majority participating in the postpartum period (62.5%). All reported satisfaction with the method, increased energy, and improved body self-satisfaction. Most participants reported perceived pain relief, especially in the postpartum period, as well as a strengthening of the emotional bond with the baby. The main functional limitations reported involved sleep, hygiene, and urination, with a reduction in these difficulties, especially in activities such as sitting, walking, standing, and sleeping. Conclusion: It is concluded that the BellyMamãe® dance method presented favorable results according to the participants' reports on physical, emotional, and functional well-being, with good acceptability and perceived benefits in maternal health care. The need for further studies to broaden the understanding of the benefits of belly dancing in this specific population is highlighted.