In this premiere episode of Just Between Us (and Science): The Women’s Health Lab, host Dr. Patrícia Mota sits down with Dr. Rubén Barakat, professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and one of the world’s leading researchers in maternal exercise science.

They explore how movement transforms pregnancy — physically, mentally, and socially — and why collaboration between physiotherapists, exercise professionals, and medical teams is crucial for the future of women’s health.

Dr. Barakat shares the story behind the Barakat Model, decades of research on prenatal exercise, and the impact of evidence-based practice on depression, hypertension, macrosomia, and postpartum recovery.

This episode challenges myths about rest during pregnancy and reminds us that movement is medicine — when guided by science and empathy.

We discuss:

• Exercise during pregnancy improves both physical and mental health.
• The Barakat Model promotes collaboration across disciplines.
• Supervised exercise can reduce prenatal and postpartum depression.
• Movement helps prevent urinary incontinence and gestational hypertension.
• Technology can help bring evidence-based health education to more women.
• Rest is not the solution — movement is medicine.

Brought to you by: Eleva.care — Your digital companion for women's health and recovery: ⁠https://eleva.care⁠

Show notes: ⁠https://podcast.patriciamota.com/episode/how-movement-redefines-pregnancy-dr-rubn-barakat

Where to find Dr. Rubén Barakat:

• ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ruben-Barakat
• UPM: https://www.ice.upm.es/we/mes/documentos/cv/2900.pdf

Where to find Patrícia Mota:

• Eleva Care: ⁠https://eleva.care/patimota⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/patimota/⁠
• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/patricia_mota_pt_phd/⁠
• Website: ⁠https://patriciamota.com⁠
• Podcast: ⁠https://podcast.patriciamota.com⁠
• Google Scholar: ⁠https://scholar.google.pt/citations?user=fNJsrScAAAAJ⁠
• ResearchGate: ⁠https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia-Mota-4⁠
• X: ⁠https://twitter.com/patimota

In this episode, we cover:

• (00:00 ) Hooks, Intro & Sponsor Message — "Just Between Us (and Science)"
• (03:43 ) Introduction & Context — Dr. Patrícia Mota and Dr. Rubén Barakat
• (07:24 ) Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Research — Building bridges between professionals
• (15:20 ) Exercise Professionals & Physiotherapists — How teamwork improves maternal care
• (20:57 ) Evidence-Based Impact — What science says about movement and pregnancy outcomes
• (27:26 ) Mental Health & Pregnancy — How exercise protects emotional well-being
• (35:53 ) The Barakat Model — A framework for active, safe pregnancies
• (46:56 ) Clinical Guidelines — Exercise prescription and recommendations
• (51:32 ) Misinformation & Myths — What social media gets wrong about pregnancy
• (59:28 ) Technology & Support — How digital tools can empower pregnant women
• (01:04:24 ) Practical Advice & Closing Thoughts — Movement as medicine for mothers
• (01:09:00 ) Reflections, call to action, and upcoming episodes

For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email ⁠podcast@eleva.care⁠

Patrícia may be an investor in the companies discussed.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.