Understanding the Prenatal and Postpartum Patient
This online course is aimed to provide a comprehensive, introductory anatomical and physiological review of the prenatal and postpartum patient. Individuals pregnant or recently pregnant represent a very special patient population. This course is designed to provide clinicians with basic tools and clinical pearls when considering treatment programs for these individuals. The course will review the physical changes from early pregnancy to the months immediately postpartum. It will also present research-based evidence, including a thorough review of two randomized control trials and a cohort study, on the benefits of exercise for prenatal and/or postpartum patient populations. Exercise examples and tools will be given, however as a home-study course, it is urged that clinicians consider their scope of practice and skill level when applying the knowledge gained.
Learning Objectives:
At the
completion of this program the participant will be able to:
Course
Outline:
● Introduction - The Prenatal and Postpartum Patient Population ~ 8 minutes
o Lecture format; review of current industry statistics
● The Prenatal Patient ~ 19 minutes
o The Lecture format; Review of the physical changes that occur over the trimesters during pregnancy and the physical presentations thereof
● The Postpartum Patient ~ 8 minutes
o Lecture format; Review of the general physical changes that occur after birth for the postpartum patient
● Importance of Physical Therapy for both the prenatal and postpartum patient ~ 30 minutes (all lecture format)
o Review of precautions and contraindications to consider for the prenatal patient
o Review of precautions and contraindications to consider for the postpartum patient
o Presentation of diagnosis-specific examples of physical therapy care for prenatal and postpartum patients
o The benefits of PT intervention for this special patient population will be generally discussed
o Review of RCTs and Case Study involving exercise in the prenatal and postpartum populations
● Therapeutic Exercise Tools and Considerations ~ 30 minutes
o Lecture-Home Lab format with video demonstration with examples of tools utilized in the clinic
o Lecture-Home Lab format with video demonstration of sample therapeutic exercises for the prenatal and postpartum patient
● Conclusion ~ 3 minutes
Course Schedule
Video Lecture and Home-Lab Presentation: 100 minutes
Online Post-Course Examination
Course CEU Eligible Total
TOTAL CEUs (CCUs): 2.0
Kathryn R Miller, PTA, BSPTA, PCES, CFT
Kate received her associate of science degree in human biology and physical therapist assistant studies, summa cum laude, from Mesa College. A third of her clinical hands-on training in this program occurred at an institution known for specializing in women’s health. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapist assistant studies, summa cum laude, from Pima Medical Institute. Currently residing in Temecula, California Kate works in multiple environments including skilled nursing, inpatient, and outpatient orthopedic. Her experience ranges from women’s health, pediatric, geriatric, and special patient populations. She has recently received her PCES (Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification). Her experience within this specialized population has increased in recent years in both the fitness and clinical environments. Kate has given multiple public lectures at schools, district meetings, and CPTA Student Conclave. She has composed publications for the CPTA as well as health-related blogs.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to create a course?
