The Certified Antenatal Postnatal Exercise Specialist (CAPES) program, offered by the International Health and Fitness Association (IHFA UK), is a globally recognised certification tailored for physiotherapists, rehab practitioners, and healthcare professionals committed to supporting women through the stages of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. This comprehensive course blends evidence-based theory with hands-on training to ensure safe, effective, and personalized exercise prescription for antenatal and postnatal clients.

Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy, along with the implications of childbirth and postpartum recovery. Key modules include trimester-wise workout planning, pelvic floor and core strengthening, management of diastasis recti, postpartum rehabilitation, and exercise contraindications.

COURSE MODULES
Session 1: Introduction & Scope
Overview of prenatal and postpartum exercise – need & scope in healthcare and fitness.
Physiological changes during pregnancy.

Session 2: Safety & Risk Considerations
Identifying high-risk prenatal patients and those with pre-existing conditions.
Understanding hospital protocols from conception to birth.

Session 3: Exercise in the First Trimester
Relaxation and mobility techniques.
Antenatal exercise prescription for:
Sedentary individuals
Physically active women
Athletes
Indications & contraindications with modifications as per condition.

Session 4: Lifestyle & Relationship Support
Couple counselling & lifestyle modifications for early pregnancy.

Session 5: Musculoskeletal & Postural Changes
Pregnancy-related changes in each trimester.
Effects on the musculoskeletal system and posture.
Trimester-wise evaluation and exercise prescription.

Session 6: Exercise in the Second Trimester
Fit pregnancy strategies and safe workout plans.
Day 2 – Birth Preparation & Postpartum Recovery

Session 7: Exercise in the Third Trimester
Birth preparation exercises and mobility work.

Session 8: Early Postnatal Care (Day 1 to 7)
Gentle movement, breathing, and mobility post-delivery.
Diastasis recti assessment & early management strategies.

Session 9: Childbirth Education
Setting up childbirth education classes in a clinical or fitness setting.
Session 10: Late Postnatal Rehabilitation

Progressive rehabilitation protocols.
Introduction to postnatal Pilates-based exercises on mat & ball (basic to modified).

Session 11: Body Composition & Fat Management
Patterns of fat distribution postpartum.
Targeted exercise and lifestyle strategies for management.

Session 12: Closing Discussion
Case study discussions.
Q&A and participant sharing.
Course Credit - CPD Credit: Approved for 16 IHFA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Credits

COURSE OBJECTIVES : The Certified Antenatal Postnatal Exercise Specialist (CAPES) program aims to enable physiotherapists to design and deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based exercise interventions for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Learning Goals

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
Understand physiological, biomechanical, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum.
Identify and manage high-risk conditions and contraindications to exercise in antenatal and postnatal clients.
Design trimester-specific exercise programs tailored for sedentary, active, and athletic women.
Assess and rehabilitate diastasis recti, postural imbalances, and musculoskeletal issues.
Apply modification techniques for safe progression and regression of exercises.
Implement Pilates-based mat and ball exercises suitable for each pregnancy stage.
Guide postnatal recovery from early to late rehabilitation phases.
Provide lifestyle and nutrition counselling to support maternal well-being.
Collaborate effectively with obstetric, fitness, and healthcare professionals for holistic maternal care.
Promote evidence-based practice in antenatal and postnatal exercise programming.

PRESENTER :
Dr Shagufta Parveen is a highly respected and accomplished Physiotherapy Professional with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience in the fields of women’s health, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics. Her expertise spans India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and several other countries, where she has made significant contributions to the advancement of physiotherapy practices in maternal health and pelvic care. She is known for her advanced clinical approach, evidence-based practice, and commitment to empowering female physiotherapists through specialised training programs, workshops, and seminars globally.

She is a certified speaker and trainer in the field and continues to contribute to professional development programs aimed at empowering physiotherapists and healthcare providers across India.

REGISTRATION: Course Fee INR 8200 (included Course Material, Certification)