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.

💡 Key Takeaways

• 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.

  
  

  👤 About the Guest

  Dr. Rubén BarakatProfessor of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.Founder of the Barakat Model, integrating exercise science, physiotherapy, and obstetrics to improve maternal outcomes.Recognized globally for his research on exercise during pregnancy, mental health, and well-being.

  
  

  🤝 About the Host

  Dr. Patrícia Mota, PT, PhDPhysiotherapist, researcher, and educator passionate about bridging science and daily life.Host of Just Between Us (and Science) — a podcast exploring hormones, pregnancy, pelvic health, recovery, and how women can stay active through every stage of life.

  
  

  📅 Chapters

  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 🎧 Outro — Reflections, call to action, and upcoming episodes

  
  

  🎧 Presented by Eleva.care

  Eleva.care is a digital platform redefining how women connect with physiotherapy, obstetrics, and wellness experts — from pregnancy to recovery and beyond.
  💻 Learn more at eleva.care