Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Course-Worksheet and Case Study

Unit number and title	Evidence
Unit UV31474: Principles of physical activity for antenatal and postnatal clients	Worksheet questions
Unit UV31473: Planned exercise programmes for the pre/postnatal client	Programmes x 4
	Assessor feedback

 

 

 

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F500/6776/4

 

Candidate’s name:

 

Unit	Stage of Assessment	Assessment method	Viva (PD) Y/N	Outcome	Assessor signature	IQA signature	Date
1	Worksheet	Written
2	Theoretical case study and risk assessment	Written
3	Programmes	Written

 

 

Candidate Agreement

 

I agree to be assessed according to the plan above and I can confirm that it reflects any special needs I may have.

 

Signed:                                                                                       Date:

 

I declare that all the work produced to meet the assessment criteria above has been my own unaided work.

 

Signed:                                                                                       Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 1: Physical activity and health considerations for the pre- and postnatal client

 

Worksheet

 

1. Describe one physiological and one biomechanical change associated with each trimester and the exercise implications associated with these changes. Insert the duration for each of the three trimesters during pregnancy.

Note – a physiological change is a change in bodily part functions. A biomechanical change is a change in movement or structure of the human body.

Trimester 1: week 1 to week…….
Body system   Physiological
Body system   Biomechanical
Exercise implications
Trimester 2: week……. to week……..
Body system   Physiological
Body system   Biomechanical
Exercise implications
Trimester 3: week…….. to …….
Body system   Physiological
Body system   Biomechanical
Exercise implications

Guideline – 3 x 150-200 words- total 450-600 words

/9 Marks

 

2. Give an example of how you would adapt a client’s physical activity relating specifically to one of the changes mentioned in Q1 above in each trimester

T1

T2

T3

Guideline – up to 200 words

            /3 Marks

 

3. For how long would the changes described in Q1 continue after birth?

 

/3 Marks

 

4. Explain the importance of avoiding sudden and dramatic weight gain

 

 

/2 Marks

 

 

 

 

.       5. Explain to Ellie the importance and benefits of having a postnatal check and when to see her GP for this

 

Importance/benefits:     Timeframe:

Guideline – 50 words

/1 Marks

 

6. In the postnatal period why is it important to resume exercise on an individual and gradual basis? Write this as if you were speaking to Ellie

 

Guideline – 100 words

/1 Marks

 

 

7. List and explain four benefits of physical activity for pre- and postnatal clients (2 for each)

Prenatal
Postnatal

Guideline – minimum 100 words

/4 Marks

 

8. Give two real or perceived barriers/concerns that pre or postnatal clients may have about taking part in physical activity and how you could overcome them.

 

Barriers/concerns	How you would deal with these?
Prenatal
Postnatal

Guideline – 100 words

/4 Marks

 

9. Give four absolute and four relative contraindications to physical activity for pre- natal clients

 

	Absolute Contraindications	Relative Contraindications
Prenatal	1)	1)
	2)	2)
	3)	3)
	4)	4)

 

 

 

Guideline – 100 words

/8 Marks

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. List four warning signs (2 prenatal and 2 postnatal) that indicate the client should stop exercising, how you would deal with these or what advice you would give

Warning signs	How you would deal with these/what advice would you give?
Prenatal:
Prenatal:
Postnatal:
Postnatal:

Guideline – 150 words

/4 Marks

 

11. Describe two physical considerations for a postnatal client that an instructor should be aware of. How would you adapt an exercise to take these into account?

 

Considerations:	Adaptations:
1.	1.
2.	2.

Guideline – up to 100 words

/4 Marks

 

 

 

 

 

12. Explain the reasons why avoiding hot and humid environments and maintaining hydration is important in each of the prenatal and postnatal periods

 

Prenatal
Postnatal

Guideline – 100 words

/3 Marks

 

 

 

13. a) Identify sources of food that are important in providing good nutrition for prenatal clients and explain why? b) Why is good nutrition important in the postnatal period?

Prenatal sources & Why?
Postnatal nutrition?

Guideline – 200 words

/6 Marks

 

14. List two foods that should be avoided during pregnancy and state the reasons why

Foods	Reasons why

Guideline – 50 words

/4 Marks

 

 

 

 

 

15. For the common pregnancy-related concerns listed below, give details of how you would reassure Ellie and what advice you might give

Pregnancy-related concern	Reassurance/advice
Clothing and footwear
Fatigue

Guideline – 150 words

/2 Marks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marking outcome Unit 1

 

Question	Comments	Action (if applicable)	Marks awarded
1			/9
2			/3
3			/3
4			/2
5			/1
6			/1
7			/4
8			/4
9			/8
10			/4
11			/4
12			/3
13			/6
14			/4
15			/2
Overall	(41/58 Required to pass)		/58 PASS / REFER

 

Unit 1 Viva / Professional discussion feedback (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number:  F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 2:  Theoretical case study and risk assessment

 

You will need to read this thoroughly to help you fill in the blank screening form below and answer the next questions in Unit 2.

 

Theoretical case study

 

Ellie is a 30 year-old woman who is 7 weeks pregnant with her first baby. She is very excited but also anxious about the birth and how she will cope. Her partner is very supportive, but has a high-powered job that regularly takes him away from home so this is a worry to her.

 

Prior to her pregnancy she was reasonably active, visiting the gym twice a week as well as attending group classes in Pilates and aerobics. She describes herself as moderately fit. However, although she is keen to keep fit, she is uncertain about continuing her exercise routines as she is already feeling very tired. She says that if she does continue, she wants to know how she should adjust her exercise programmes as she progresses through her pregnancy. She has been cleared by the midwife to exercise and is not on any medication.

 

Ellie has a part-time job as a telesales operator so much of her day is spent sitting down and she says she has had a back problem since she started this job a few years ago.  She likes to walk or swim occasionally when not going to the gym or classes.

 

She is very worried that she will put on too much weight during her pregnancy and will never get her shape back but does not want to put her baby at risk in any way. Ellie is interested in her nutritional needs if she continues exercising.

 

She has also said she wants to ensure she can get back to exercise after the birth as soon as her doctor gives her the go-ahead. She is planning to breast-feed her baby and wants to know if exercising will affect the milk quantity/quality.

 

Postnatal

 

There were no complications during labour and Ellie had a natural birth after going full-term. Ellie is now breast feeding successfully but feeling very tired as she seems to be either feeding her baby or trying to complete household chores. She is not getting much sleep but is quite worried that she has only lost 14lbs of the 30lbs she put on over her pregnancy. She is now looking to start formally exercising again after this 12-week period off, and has been cleared by her GP to do so, but baby-sitting is often a problem.

 

Screening and collecting information

 

Now complete the following example screening form based on the case study above and then answer the next set of questions

 

Pre- and postnatal sample medical and lifestyle questionnaire

 

PRE-SCREENING FOR THE PRE/POSTNATAL CLIENT
Name	Ellie	Address	111, Good Street Manchester
Tel no	01010 101010	DOB	12/5/1990
Email	Ellie@anemailaddress.com
Due date	(fictional date to be included here based on 7 weeks pregnant at completion of the form)
Partner/Next of Kin	George	Mobile or emergency number	07777 777777
Doctor	Dr Feelgood	Midwife	Nurse Jolie Caesar
Tel No		Tel No
Referred by	Midwife
Number of children		Ages
Occupation
Have you checked with your doctor/midwife that you are safe to exercise?
What are your goals for participating in exercise during your pregnancy?
Physical activity history
In the last year how often have you participated in physical activity?  5 to 7 times per week  3 to 4 times per week  1 to 2 times per week  1 to 2 times per month  Not at all
What physical activity have you done and enjoyed in the past?
What exercise/physical activity do you currently participate in?
How motivated are you?
If you have been unable to exercise regularly, what are the reasons?
What concerns have you got about the pregnancy?
Is there anything in your medical history that could affect your capacity to exercise?

 

Medical history

Tick the box if you have experienced any of the following, past or present Shortness of breath (   ) Chest pain (   ) Miscarriage  (   ) Eating disorder  (   ) Seizures  (   ) Vaginal disorder or bleeding  (   ) Blood disorder  (   ) Heart disease  (   ) Hypoglycaemia  (   ) Diabetes T1 (   ) or T2 (   ) Pelvic or abdominal cramps  (   ) Arthritis  (   ) Incompetent cervix  (   ) Multiple gestation  (   ) Multiple births  (   ) High blood pressure  (   ) Knee problems or pain  (   ) Back problems or pain  (   ) Neck problems or pain  (   ) Headaches  (   )

If you have ticked any of the boxes please give further details

Are you on any medication? If so please give details

 

Instructor’s summary/analysis

Postnatal

What are your goals for participating in exercise/physical activity?

Date baby was born:

Type of delivery:

Episiotomy?

Breast feeding?

Getting up at night? How much sleep are you getting?

Any other concerns?

Instructor’s notes/summary

 

            /2 Marks

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: 500/6776/X

 

Unit 2: Implement exercise programmes for pre- and postnatal clients

 

Worksheet questions

 

1. Why is it important to ensure you keep up to date with CPD points in relation to working with pre- and postnatal clients?

 

Guideline – up to 50 words

/1 Marks

 

2. Explain why it is important for an instructor to have an up-to-date first aid certificate and insurance when working with pre- and postnatal clients

 

Guideline- up to 50 words

/2 Marks

 

3. How would you reassure Ellie and keep her motivated regarding her concerns relating to exercising during her pregnancy? Include some exercises/positions she should avoid during the prenatal and then the postnatal period. Write this as if you were talking to Ellie.

 

Prenatal:

Postnatal:

Exercises to avoid:

Guideline – 150 words

/3 Marks

 

 

 

4. Explain to Ellie the importance of pelvic floor exercises and how often she should do them. How would you teach these to her?

 

The importance of pelvic floor exercises and how often:

Teaching points:

Guideline – 100 words

/3 Marks

 

5. Describe how to check for diastasis recti and give some safe and effective exercises that Ellie should do that would rehabilitate the abdominal wall

 

How to check for Diastasis recti:

Effective exercises to rehabilitate the abdominal wall:

Guideline – 100 words

/3 Marks

 

 

6. Outline the general guidelines for stretching in the pre- and postnatal periods

 

Guideline – 100 words

/1 Marks

 

7. Why is it inappropriate to use babies as a resistance or weight during exercise?

Guideline – 100 words

/3 Marks

 

8.Explain how you would establish an effective working relationship with Ellie

 

/2 Marks

 

 

9 a) Explain the importance of pre-activity screening for antenatal and postnatal women and the legal and ethical responsibilities placed on the instructor in relation to disclosure of information.

b) State what additional exercise or lifestyle information you would collect from Ellie that might help you in designing a programme for her and help her stay healthy throughout her pregnancy. 4 points are required.

1)   2)   3)   4)

Guideline – up to 50 words

/6 Marks

 

 

 

10. Provide Ellie with three sources of further information and advice such as reliable websites or books. Evaluate one of these

 

1.   2.   3.     Evaluation:

 

/4 Marks

 

 

11. Explain under what circumstances you would refer pre-natal and postnatal clients? When would it be good practice to obtain written consent from healthcare professionals?

 

Referral of Pre-natal:

Referral of Postnatal:

Written consent from healthcare professional:

Guideline – 50 words

/3 Marks

 

 

12. It is important to complete a risk assessment for the activities/exercises you have planned for Ellie for each trimester and the postnatal period. Using the form below, choose 2 different points from each box in each trimester and the postnatal session. This should relate to your programme and the changes in each stage of pregnancy.

Step 1 (Hazard)	Step 2 (Risk) H = high M = medium L = low	Step 3 (Control Measure)
List the significant issues or hazards you have identified e.g. equipment, activities, environment	What is the likelihood of this causing harm?	What measures can you take to control the risk?
Trimester 1
Equipment Machines Bands Free weights Mats	1)     2)	1)     2)
Activities Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Clothing/shoes Motor skills/balance Transitions	1)       2)	1)       2)
Environment Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water	1)       2)	1)       2)
Trimester 2
Equipment Machines Bands Free weights Mats	1)     2)	1)     2)
Activities Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Clothing/shoes Motor skills/balance Transitions	1)       2)	1)       2)
Environment Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water	1)       2)	1)       2)
Trimester 3
Equipment Machines Bands Free weights Mats	1)     2)	1)     2)
Activities Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Clothing/shoes Motor skills/balance Transitions	1)       2)	1)       2)
Environment Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water	1)       2)	1)       2)

Postnatal period
Equipment Machines Bands Free weights Mats	1)     2)	1)     2)
Activities Cardio Resistance work Floor work Stretching Body position Babies Motor skills/balance	1)       2)	1)       2)
Environment Air conditioning Room temperature Space Flooring Trip hazards Water	1)       2)	1)       2)

 

/8 Marks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marking outcome Unit 2

 

Question	Comments	Action (if applicable)	Marks awarded
Medical Q			/2
1			/1
2			/2
3			/3
4			/3
5			/3
6			/1
7			/3
8			/2
9			/6
10			/4
11			/3
12			/8
Overall	(28/41 Required to pass)		/41 PASS / REFER

 

Unit 2 Viva / Professional discussion feedback (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3:  Q1-Q3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client 

 

Create a single session of exercise for each of the three trimesters, taking into account the following:

 

• Use the exercise guidance for prenatal clients
• Assume there are no contraindications to exercise
• Take into consideration Ellie’s goals and any appropriate modifications

This is to be done in the context of gym, aerobics or Pilates

 

NB: you can only create programmes in the discipline for which you have a qualification. You must also keep to a single discipline over the whole period to show how the programmes regress or progress.

 

The session plan (blank copies below) for each session should include:

• Warm-up – minimum 10 minutes using any cardiovascular equipment or exercises (mobility and dynamic stretches may be included in the warm-up)
• Cardiovascular – minimum of 3 different forms of cardiovascular equipment or exercises to be included over the 3 sessions
• 8-10 resistance-based exercises – these can be machine-based, free weight, cable or body weight/body conditioning exercises
• Cool-down – minimum 5 minutes using a different piece of cardiovascular equipment or exercises than the warm-up (stretches of identified shortened musculature must be included in the cool-down. Also state the body position)
• Programmes should last no longer than an hour
• It is highly recommended that you try and vary the programmes within the recommended guidelines
• It is recommended that you choose well known exercises. Please ensure that your descriptions are clear and concise. Your case study may be returned to you if the assessor is unable to clarify your exercise selections.

 

NB: ensure Pilates programmes include advice on CV exercise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

 

Programme card (gym)

 

Trimester 1

Client name:
Warm-up: Mobility and stretches:
Main CV component:
Equipment	Time		Workload/RPM/SPM speed/incline/level		Adaptation			Notes
Main resistance training section:
Exercise		Equipment		Sets/reps		Weight	Notes/adaptations
Cool-down		Equipment		Time	Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level
Core exercises:
Cool-down: (appropriate stretches and body position)

/12 Marks

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design and implement exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

 

Session plan/programme card (ETM)

 

Trimester 1

Learner name		Components
Duration of each component		Beats per minute

 

Music breakdown reps/sets	Choreography or exercise/muscle group	Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components)	Choreography methods used

–                                                                                                                     /12 Marks

 

Prenatal Pilates session plan

 

Name		First trimester
Component		Duration

 

Exercise name   Purpose/benefit Repetitions	Short description and key points to note   Key: TVA – transversus abdominis          NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing                PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation          SS – shoulder	P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification
CV recommendations

/12 Marks

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

Programme card (gym)

 

Trimester 2

Client name:
Warm-up: Mobility and stretches:
Main CV component:
Equipment	Time		Workload/RPM/SPMspeed/incline/level		Adaptation			Notes
Main resistance training section:
Exercise		Equipment		Sets/reps		Weight	Notes/adaptations
Cool-down		Equipment		Time	Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level
Core exercises:
Cool-down: (appropriate stretches and body position)

/12 Marks

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

Session plan/programme card (ETM)

 

Trimester 2

Name		Components
Duration of each component		Beats per minute

 

Music breakdown reps/sets	Choreography or exercise/ muscle group	Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components)	Choreography methods used

/12 Marks

 

Prenatal Pilates session plan

 

Name		Second trimester
Components		Duration

 

Exercise name   Purpose/benefit Repetitions	Short description and key points to note   Key: TVA – transversus abdominis         NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing                PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation          SS – shoulder	P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification
CV recommendations

/12 marks

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes                                                   

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

 

Programme card (gym)

 

Trimester 3

Client name:
Warm-up: Mobility and stretches:
Main CV component:
Equipment	Time		Workload/RPM/SPM speed/incline/level		Adaptation			Notes
Main resistance training section:
Exercise		Equipment		Sets/reps		Weight	Notes/adaptations
Cool-down		Equipment		Time	Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level
Core exercises:
Cool-down: (appropriate stretches and body position)

/12 Marks

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

Session plan/programme card (ETM)

 

Trimester 3

Name		Components
Duration of each component		Beats per minute

 

Music breakdown reps/sets	Choreography or exercise/muscle group	Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components)	Choreography methods used

/12 Marks

 

 

 

 

Prenatal Pilates session plan

 

Name		Third trimester
Components		Duration

 

Exercise name   Purpose/benefit Repetitions	Short description and key points to note   Key: TVA – transversus abdominis          NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing                PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation          SS – shoulder	P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification
CV recommendations

/12 Marks

 

1. On completion of the three prenatal sessions, provide additional information on the main differences between each of them and why you have adapted the sessions for each State what exercises you have avoided and why.

 

This is your chance to justify the choices and changes you have made and to say why you have included or taken out certain exercises, changed body position and stretches.

 

Guideline – 300 words

/6 Marks

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Again, using the session plan provided and assuming there were no issues with the birth, design a single session of exercise for the postnatal period (note the postnatal responses in the case study).

 

Please pay particular attention to abdominal and pelvic floor areas.

 

 

 

 

VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

Session plan/programme card (GYM)

 

Postnatal

 

Client name:
Warm-up: Mobility and stretches:
Main CV component:
Equipment	Time	Workload/RPM/SPM speed/incline/level		Adaptation		Notes
Main resistance training section:
Exercise	Equipment	Sets/reps	Weight		Notes/adaptations
Cool-down	Equipment	Time	Workload/RPM/speed/incline/level
Core exercises:
Cool-down: (appropriate stretches)

/12 Marks
VTCT Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes

Qualification Accreditation Number: F/600/6735/4

 

Unit 3: Design exercise programmes for the pre- and postnatal client

Session plan/programme card (ETM)

 

Postnatal

Name		Components
Duration of each component		Beats per minute

 

Music breakdown reps/sets	Choreography or exercise/muscle group	Key teaching points (main session) and adaptations (all components)	Choreography methods used

/12 Marks

 

Postnatal Pilates session plan

 

Name		Postnatal
Components		Duration

 

Exercise name   Purpose/benefit Repetitions	Short description and key points to note   Key: TVA – transversus abdominis          NS – neutral spine LTB – lateral thoracic breathing                PF – pelvic floor LM – lumbar multifidis stabilisation          SS – shoulder	P = Progression A = Adaptation M = Modification
CV recommendations

/12 Marks

 

 

Marking outcome Unit 3

 

Question	Comments	Action (if applicable)	Marks awarded
Plan 1			/12
Plan 2			/12
Plan 3			/12
Q1			/6
Q2			/12
Overall	(38/54 Required to pass)		/54 PASS / REFER

 

 

 

Unit 3 Viva / Professional discussion feedback (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

Overall Summary