Please note: Our offices are currently closed. We will reopen on Monday, 16th December.

Level 3 pre and postnatal course

Discover how to make your sessions safer and more effective for new and expectant mothers with this pre and postnatal specialist course

Pre Postnatal exercise class
Pre Postnatal exercise class

The UK's leading pre and postnatal fitness instructor course

Give yourself the knowledge, skills and confidence to safely adapt all modes of exercise for pre and postnatal clients with this specialist exercise and fitness instructor qualification.

  • Home study content:

    Complete all your learning from home with our comprehensive print and digital resources

  • Flexible exam options:

    You decide whether you want to take your final exam online or at one of our test centres

  • Self-paced learning:

    Complete your studies and assessments at your own pace - achieve in as little as 4-6 weeks

YMCA Awards Logo WhiteCIMSPA Logo White

Book your place for only £100 deposit

Online Exam

For those with a computer and internet access

Test Centre Exam

For those nearby to one of our venues

Once you've completed your booking you'll be sent an email to arrange your online exam

£295


Close

Payment Options

  • Pay in full

    Total payable £280.25 5% discount £14.75
  • 6 month payment plan

    1 x £35 and 5 x £32 Minimum deposit £100 Total payable £295
  • Military approved

    Enhanced Learning Credits Resettlement Contact our Careers Team for more information

Course overview: Pre and postnatal course

If you're planning on working with pregnant women and those that have recently given birth then this Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Fitness Instructor Course will give you all the knowledge, skills and confidence to practice as a specialist pre and postnatal instructor.

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the benefits of a physically active pregnancy has moved on somewhat since these days, although sadly, much of this outdated information and advice is still prevalent in the media and industry today.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.

  • 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.

Payment Options

We offer some of the highest quality, most versatile and accessible training products, priding ourselves on our standards of excellence.

With many years of experience and expertise behind us, we have designed a pre and post-natal exercise certification which is industry-appropriate and financially accessible.

Special Offers, Discounts and Deals

We are committed to quality, fairness and transparency, which is why we openly list our course prices on our website for all to see. We don’t engage in discounting, bargaining or deal-making and our price promise ensures that all our students pay the same fair price for their training and qualifications.

Pay in Full

£280

Get a 5% prompt payment discount
when you pay your fees in full.

Buy Now, Pay Later

£295

Term: 6 months

Buy now and pay later with
our INTEREST FREE payment plans.

ELCAS Points

20% deposit: £59

This programme can be funded with
MOD enhanced learning credits.

Purchase Order

£295

Provide a purchase order on enrolment
and settle the invoice within 30 days*

*Only available for business bookings and subject to the appropriate due diligence.

You're in safe hands

Since we opened our doors in 2007, we've supported over 40,000 exercise professionals to realise their ambitions to become professional fitness instructors and personal trainers. This pre and postnatal instructor course has been a a popular 'add-on' qualification for many of our graduates who recognise they need additional knowledge and skills in this area.

When you train with HFE, you'll have full access to a team of experienced support tutors that will be able to help you with any extra help you need. The most common ways we support students includes:

  • Phone

  • Email

  • Video call

  • Webinar

Support tutor at whiteboard

What you'll learn

This is a relatively small qualification in terms of learning hours and assessments but it's literally packed with lots of technically-rich information you'll need to practice in this area. Some of the subjects covered in our pre and postnatal fitness instructor course include:

  • Anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy

    Stages of pregnancy
    Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy
    Cardiovascular and respiratory changes associated with pregnancy
    Metabolic changes associated with pregnancy
    Musculoskeletal changes associated with pregnancy
    Physiological changes associated with pregnancy

  • Physical conditions associated with pregnancy

    Healthy food choices during pregnancy
    Foods to avoid during pregnancy
    Hydration, alcohol and caffeine
    Weight management during pregnancy
    Pregnancy supplements
    Maternal caloric needs

  • Nutrition and healthy eating in pregnancy

    Resistance training considerations during pregnancy
    Stability and balance changes
    Pelvic floor exercises
    Abdominal training
    Flexibility and stretching
    Cardiovascular considerations

  • Benefits and risks of exercise in pregnancy

    Lower back pain
    Carpal tunnel syndrome
    Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
    Gestational diabetes
    Urinary tract infections and incontinence
    Symphysis pubis dysfunction
    Premature rupture of membranes
    Placenta previa and more

  • Planning exercise in the pre and postnatal period

    Improving sleep and general mood
    Preventative benefits of exercise during pregnancy
    Miscarriage
    Hyperthermia and overeating
    Reduced blood flow and hypoxia
    Potential and perceived risks

Pre and postnatal lecture by registered midwife shown on iPhone screen

*Images and videos are for illustration purposes and may not depict specific course materials.

Where will your pre and postnatal
exercise journey lead you?

Join our thousands of pre and postnatal fitness graduates working with some of the world's leading health and fitness operators.

David Lloyd
Bannatyne gym logo
Nuffield health logo
Pure gym logo
Icon depicting Virgin active logo
Your Personal Training logo
The Gym Group Logo
NHS logo

How you'll be assessed

This Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Fitness Instructor qualification includes a range of knowledge-based assessments to ensure that you have sufficient understanding to provide specialist exercise and fitness support to clients that are pregnant or postpartum. We've provided a summary of the assessments below, and you can also watch our assessment video to get more detail on how these assessments are conducted.

HFE student completing assessment sheet
30%

Worksheets

  • Online worksheets
  • Anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy
  • Complete in your own time - marked within 7 days
30%

Exam

  • 30 multiple choice questions
  • Take online or at test centre
  • 70% pass mark
40%

Case study

  • Scenario-based
  • Screening and consultation
  • Programming safe exercise

Keep in touch

Want to keep your finger on the pulse in the health and fitness industry?

If so, sign up to our newsletter and we'll make sure you're the first to know.

Thank you for signing up! Why not take a look at our blog too?

Request more information

Back to top