High Risk Pregnancy for PTs & OTs

Course overview

High-risk pregnancy complications often come with activity restrictions up to and including bed rest. Survey studies estimated that approximately 20% of pregnancies will involve activity restrictions and approximately 95% of maternal healthcare providers prescribe them. Physical and Occupational Therapists are well aware of the negative consequences of reduced activity including reduced cardiopulmonary fitness, increased blood clot risk, psychological impact and financial stress particularly if a patient's ability to continue paid work is affected. PT and OT have established benefits during general pregnancy to manage common musculoskeletal pain complaints, pelvic health, psychological stress, preparation for childbirth and postpartum recovery. This course is designed for the PT and OT that have some basic pregnancy care knowledge who want to integrate high-risk pregnant patients into prenatal therapy care but feel unsure how to safely treat this population beyond simple bed rest exercises or putting therapy on hold. In this course you'll learn the most common pregnancies complications, the activity restrictions prescribed for these complications, the implications of hospitalization for pregnant patients and their families and what therapists can offer this population including; coping strategies, psychosocial support and problem solving, managing acute pain, creating safe movement and exercise programs and preparation for birth and postpartum.