Pregnant & Post Natal Training for Personal Trainers (4CECs)

According to AUSactive, fitness professionals who offer specifically tailored fitness services to pregnant women are required to complete an AUSactive approved CEC course on training pregnant women.

According to AUSactive, along with a Certificate IV in Fitness, you will also need to complete an AUSactive approved CEC course around training pregnant women.

The course is a registered CEC course with AUSactive, and should cover you for insurance purposes. We do however recommend you check with your provider to confirm.

Yes, it is generally safe to exercise while pregnant, and it can offer numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Regular physical activity during pregnancy can help manage weight gain, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, alleviate common discomforts like back pain, and improve mood and energy levels.

However, it’s important to modify exercise routines to accommodate the changes in the body and avoid high-risk activities. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before starting or continuing an exercise program to ensure it’s safe based on their individual health and pregnancy progression.

According to the AUSactive Pregnancy & Postnatal Exercise Guidelines

• Gradual warmups and cool downs for pre-natal circulation and avoidance of blood pooling

• General strengthening, plus particular focus on pregnancy specific muscles, such as pelvic floor core and postural muscle strengthening

• Modified strength training according to the AUSactive Safety Guidelines for Strength Training

• Modifications for supine and stationary standing, such as four-point kneeling, sitting on a fit ball and side lying

• Flexibility training limited to a comfortable range of movement

• Relaxation

• Labor preparation

• Appropriate low-impact exercise styles

• Modified exercise programs when risk of overheating is raised

• In the presence of a pregnancy related musculoskeletal condition, include exercises that either do not exacerbate or assist the condition

According to the AUSactive Pregnancy & Postnatal Exercise Guidelines

• High impact, jerky or ballistic movements

• Exercise intensities or duration that make the client feel hot, exhausted or sweat excessively

• Sudden changes of intensity and position

• Any exercise that involves breath holding or Valsalva manoeuvre

• Any exercise that places significant load on the abdominals or pelvic floor, including abdominal curls, sit ups, planks and hovers

• Stretching beyond comfortable range of movement to avoid overstretching due to increased joint and ligament flexibility

• Weight bearing activities beyond comfortable range of movement

• Exercises involving lying supine from 16 weeks onwards

• Exercises in stationary standing (especially upper body strengthening) that will increase the risk of fainting

• Contact activities (to minimise risk of falls and blows to the abdomen which may increase the risk of fetal trauma). Example activities include, but are not limited to, horse riding, downhill skiing, ice hockey, gymnastics or Olympic lifts

• Any exercise that may cause or exacerbate any pregnancy related condition

It is out of the scope of practice of a Personal Trainer to train high risk clientele. If a client has a high risk pregnancy there health care professional should advice they train in a clinical setting with an appropriately trained health professional such as an Exercise Physiologist

Pregnant women can engage in high-intensity training, but it should be approached with caution and tailored to their individual circumstances. For women who were already accustomed to high-intensity exercise before pregnancy, continuing with a modified version may be safe, provided they have clearance from their healthcare provider. However, the intensity should be adjusted as pregnancy progresses to avoid overheating, dehydration, and excessive strain.

If a client experiences pain or discomfort during exercise, you should immediately have them stop the activity. Always prioritize safety, and when in doubt, refer them to a healthcare professional for further evaluation before resuming exercise.