Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Personal Training Course

• In the first module of our courses, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges pre and post-natal clients face with personal training. There might be many barriers, including fears about the unborn child or pain after challenging labour.
• However, you can give your clients peace of mind by understanding the benefits of physical activity.
• Learn the values of a healthy diet and physical activity for prenatal clients
• Discover how exercise and activity can help post-natal clients
• Understand the potential concerns and barriers that might impact a client's experience

Pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary things a woman can experience, but it often comes with plenty of complications. Each trimester brings its own challenges, and there can also be issues after birth. As a personal trainer, it’s your job to understand the many biomechanical and physiological changes that occur in pre and post-natal clients to get a better idea of their needs.

• Understand the three trimesters
• Learn about the circulatory system 
• Find out how pregnancy impacts the respiratory system
• Understand the complexities of the musculoskeletal system
• Learn how the metabolic and hormonal systems work

Health and safety considerations are essential in any industry, but you should be more aware of them when working with pre and post-natal clients. Potential complications could arise, and personal trainers are responsible for ensuring their clients enjoy a safe and secure exercise experience. In this unit, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of your responsibilities towards your clients, what duty of care means, how to implement it, and how to recognise limitations.

• Identifying warning signs to a client that should stop exercising and how to respond
• Pre-activity screening and informed consent
• Collecting and interpreting data
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Knowing when to refer a client

Understanding the Nutritional requirements for pre and post-natal clients:

• Explain the importance of a balanced diet for pre and post-natal clients
• Knowing important food sources
• Identify foods to avoid during pregnancy
• Vitamin and mineral supplements recommended in pregnancy

Pre and post-natal clients will always require more support with their fitness needs, and practical exercise sessions are the key to ensuring your clients get the best possible results. Exercise can reduce the risks of labour complications and prevent the need for a caesarean (Science Daily). Safety is paramount when supporting pre and post-natal clients with exercise. This module teaches you how to design effective programmes without putting your clients and their babies at risk. You’ll be able to consider each client’s needs and risk factors, ensuring a great experience.

• How to design a programme that works for each trimester and the postnatal period
• Identify safe types of exercise and learn which positions to avoid (especially when teaching yoga).
• Find safer alternatives to popular activities, and make adaptations.
• How to teach clients to stretch and warm up safely
• Learn about pelvic floor exercises and why they're important
• Identify and implement the appropriate core and functioning training exercises for pregnant women
• Maintain the best level of intensity and avoid overheating your clients

Numerous complications can arise during pregnancy, including infections, the risk of pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure. However, people also forget about post-natal complications, including stitches, sore and swollen breasts and weight gain. All these complications can cause problems, and exercise has its risks – but it’s your job to identify and manage them. In this module, you’ll learn how to effectively identify and address potential risks so your client can enjoy exercise and return to their goal weight.

• Identify any risks for pre or post-natal clients when participating in physical activity programmes
• Provide nutritional advice for your clients so they can enjoy a healthy and balanced diet