This two-day remote continuing education course is intended for the practitioner who is already familiar with basic rehabilitation concepts in the pregnant and postpartum population, as provided through the Pregnancy Rehabilitation (in person or remote) and the Postpartum Rehabilitation (in person or remote) courses, and includes lab activities designed to enhance the practitioners’ skills for working with special perinatal populations, in addition to diving deeper into medical and psychosocial topics related to pregnancy and postpartum.

Prior to the remote live portion of the course, participants will be able to view pre-recorded lectures at their own pace on the online platform Teachable. In these videos, the following pregnancy- and postpartum-related topics will be covered: Dysfunctional labor and birth complications, as well as their impact on birthing outcomes and postpartum recovery. Consideration of birth locations (hospital, birthing center, and home) and birthing attendants will be reviewed, and how the rehabilitation professional may play a role in the labor and birth process. An overview of the effects of prior abuse experienced by the patient and how it effects pregnancy, birth, and parenting will be covered. Gynecologic surgeries and medical treatment related to reproductive health will be described, such as tubal ligation, post-birth hysterectomy, and surgical procedures to address fertility issues. High-risk pregnancy will be defined, with many common high-risk pregnancy diagnoses, their red flags, and implications for rehabilitation professionals being discussed. Basic resources and information about pregnancy and parenting with disabilities will also be covered.

During the live interactive portions of this course, we will open with management of the patient in a high-risk pregnancy, including activity restriction levels, considerations for examination and treatment, and effects of bed rest on the pregnant and postpartum patient. Lab activities will review safe performance of examination, treatment, and exercise for the patient on bed rest or activity restriction in pregnancy. Case scenarios will provide practice in performing differential diagnosis for high-risk pregnancy/medical conditions versus musculoskeletal problems. Discussion of cultural implications on labor, birth, and postpartum will provide the rehabilitation practitioner with awareness and further understanding of potential client needs. Fertility and reproductive challenges will be reviewed, with consideration for effects of various conditions, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome, on fertility and childbirth.

Lab activities will introduce abdominal myofascial techniques related to these conditions. Review of postpartum management in the acute care will be covered, as well as lab activities for helpful treatment techniques early postpartum. The course will conclude with discussion of exercise, fitness, and wellness during pregnancy, including discussion of the pregnant athlete. Resources for developing prenatal exercise plans and courses will be provided, as well as case discussion for working with patients who wish to exercise through pregnancy.

Audience:

This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:

Completion of the following courses, or courses with similar content: Pregnancy Rehabilitation (in person or remote) and Postpartum Rehabilitation (in person or remote). All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must also be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

References
Daoud, N., Urquia, M. L., O'Campo, P., Heaman, M., Janssen, P. A., Smylie, J., & Thiessen, K. (2012). Prevalence of Abuse and Violence Before, During, and After Pregnancy in a National Sample of Canadian Women. American Journal of Public Health (0), 1-9.