Pregnancy to Postpartum Mastery- Level Medium

Dates: June 20 and 21, 2026

Location: Oporto, Portugal

Workload: 25 hours

Modality: In-person (with practical component)

Target audience: Physical therapists

Prerequisites: Basic training in pelvic physical therapy

Faculty: Rita Paiva PT, PG, MSc, PhDs

Ana Pinto BSc Sport Science, PT, MSc

Ana Pacheco PT, PG

Objectives

• Understand the anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical changes in each trimester of pregnancy and after childbirth.

• Develop advanced clinical and functional assessment skills in pelvic physiotherapy during pregnancy and after childbirth, integrating postural, diaphragmatic, exopelvic, and intracavitary assessment using specific tests and complementary instrumental resources.

• Characterize and identify signs and symptoms of dysfunctions such as pelvic pain during pregnancy and postpartum, urinary/fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunctions, and abdominal diastasis.

• Learn to use specific scales, questionnaires, and clinical tests.

• Train for assessment and intervention in physical therapy and follow-up in all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.

• Apply evidence-based interventions, including re-education of the abdomino-lumbar-pelvic complex, clinical exercise, manual therapy techniques, pain modulation strategies, and education.

• Promote evidence-based, safe, and patient-centered care.

• Develop skills for the prevention and treatment of common pelvic dysfunctions in pregnancy and postpartum.

Program Content

1. Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Postpartum

• Functional anatomy of the pelvis and pelvic floor: applied review.

• Hormonal and biomechanical changes in each trimester of pregnancy.

• Physiological changes during pregnancy: respiratory and circulatory

• Physiology of childbirth and stages of postpartum recovery.

• Absolute and relative contraindications during pregnancy.

  2. Clinical and Functional Assessment during Pregnancy and Postpartum

• Structured medical history focused on pregnancy and postpartum;

• Objective postural, exopelvic, and intracavitary examination;

• Principles of safety, ethics, and clinical communication;

• Functional tests and validated instruments;

• Complementary tools: biofeedback, pelvic ultrasound for reeducation

• Identification of warning signs and criteria for medical referral.

• Analysis and interpretation of clinical findings.

3. Pelvic Physiotherapy Intervention during Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Approach

• Manual therapy techniques for the pelvic floor appropriate for each trimester of pregnancy, visceral and myofascial mobility;

• Safe therapeutic exercise adapted to the various stages of pregnancy.

• Intervention in prevalent conditions such as: Lumbopelvic and sacroiliac pain, pelvic edema and congestion, urinary dysfunction, ano-rectal dysfunction;

• Abdominal-pelvic re-education and biofeedback techniques;

• Therapeutic progression;

4. Preparation for childbirth

• Breathing, relaxation, and body awareness techniques.

• Positions and strategies for the stages of labor

• Education to reduce fear and anxiety.

• Empowering the pregnant woman and significant partner to actively participate in childbirth.

5. Postpartum Pelvic Physical Therapy Intervention: Evidence-Based Approach

• Manual pelvic floor therapy techniques in the postpartum period.

• Assessment of scars (episiotomy, laceration, cesarean section) and guidance on postpartum care.

• Functional recovery exercises and gradual return to activities that are safe and adapted to the various stages of the postpartum period.

• Intervention in postpartum dysfunctions such as: abdominal diastasis, urinary dysfunctions, anorectal dysfunctions. sexual dysfunctions

• Abdominal-pelvic reeducation and biofeedback techniques;

• Therapeutic progression;

• Evidence-based guidance on ergonomics in baby care activities, postpartum sexuality.

• Empathetic and inclusive communication, promoting the autonomy of postpartum women.

6. Clinical Management and Multidisciplinary Follow-up

• Recognizing warning signs for medical referral.

• Working in collaboration with the medical team and other professionals who accompany women in the postpartum period.

• Documenting and monitoring clinical progress safely.