Introduction

The effects of birth are usually felt most during the first 12 weeks postpartum - the time also known as the fourth trimester. Women may experience a range of sensations, such as leaking, pelvic heaviness, or low back, hip or pelvic pain. While these sensations usually resolve spontaneously during the fourth trimester, some women may continue to experience the effects of childbirth for longer. Because the pelvic health foundations established during this period can have a long-term impact on pelvic health, it's beneficial for women to access pelvic health physiotherapy during the postpartum period. This course introduces the role of the pelvic health physiotherapist during the early postpartum period.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the fourth trimester / postpartum period
• discuss six areas that pelvic health physiotherapists should review with their clients during the postpartum period
• elect appropriate strategies to enhance a mother's pelvic health during the postpartum period based on a case scenario

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.1 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.