Level 3 pre and postnatal course

The world of exercise and fitness for pre and postnatal women is full of all kinds of myths and misconceptions, so it’s essential that practising fitness professionals, especially those working with women of childbearing age, have the specialist knowledge and expertise in this area.

Traditionally, when a woman became pregnant, the advice usually given was to “take it easy” and “to put your feet up”. Thankfully, the scientific evidence to support the benefits of a physically active pregnancy has moved on somewhat since these days, although sadly, much of this outdated information and advice is still prevalent in the media and industry today. A key part of your role as a pre and postnatal fitness instructors would therefore be to address these misconceptions, providing evidence-based education to your clients.

However, regular exercise, physical activity, and healthy nutritious diet are equally important. This is why pre and postnatal women may need the specialist services of qualified pre and postnatal exercise professionals like you. This qualification promote inclusivity in the health and fitness sector and to ensure that fitness professionals have sufficient levels of knowledge and skill to support this population.

As fitness educators, we see it as our role to empower you to be able to work with new and expectant mothers with absolute confidence that what you are teaching will be safe and beneficial to mother and baby alike. This is precisely why this qualification exists.

• Entry requirements

  In order to enrol onto this training course, you must already possess a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction – either gym-based or group exercise. Those with a Level 3 Pilates Teacher qualification or a Level 3 Yoga Teacher qualification are also eligible because there are no entry-level (level 2) qualifications in these disciplines.

• Accreditation

  Our pre and postnatal exercise and fitness instructor programme is a full Ofqual regulated qualification certificated by YMCA Awards. On completion of this programme, you will receive the YMCA Awards Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Perinatal Clients.
  
  This specialist perinatal qualification is also fully endorsed by CIMSPA and is mapped to the Working with Antenatal and Postnatal Clients Professional Standard. On completion of this qualification, you will also receive 10 CIMSPA CPD points.

• Learning resources

  Everything you need to complete this special populations qualification is included. You'll receive a comprehensive training manual, online eLearning, video lectures presented by a Registered Midwife and an extensive range of mock assessments to prepare you for your theory exam.
  
  You'll also get an easy-to-follow study guide that will help you navigate all the course content and assessments. And of course, you'll also have access to unlimited levels of help and support from our Support Team.

• Career and progression

  On completion of this level 3 Pre and Postnatal specialism course you'll be eligible to plan and teach exercise and fitness activities to women that are pregnant, or in the postnatal period and who don't have any complex medical needs or comorbidities. Essentially, your clients must have had, or be having a healthy pregnancy.
  
  If you're planning on providing specialist classes or sessions to attract pre and postnatal clients, either as a PT, yoga or Pilates teacher, then this qualification is essential as it's the industry standard to provide such services.