DAY ONE
Wednesday, October 22

7:30 - 8:00 am Registration and Continental Breakfast (included with registration)

8:00 - 8:15 am Introduction and Orientation

8:15 - 9:30 am The Physical Experience of Pregnancy

• Describe physiological adaptations that occur during each of the three trimesters of pregnancy
  
• Explain the cause of physical discomforts associated with pregnancy and identify possible ways to prevent or cope with them
  
• Explain fetal mechanisms for adequate oxygen consumption
  
• List warning signs that should be reported to the health care provider
  

9:30 am Break

9:45 - 11:15 am Preparing for Labor and Birth

• Summarize an overview of the process of labor and birth
  
• Describe the onset of labor and compare the signs of prelabor to the signs of true labor
  
• Explain the causes of pain in labor and birth
  
• Describe the benefits of pushing in an upright position
  
• Discuss trends in cesarean birth
  

11:15 am Lunch (included with registration)

12:15 - 1:15 pm Nutritional Needs for Active Women During the Childbearing Year

• Summarize normal weight gain expectations for pregnancy
  
• Discuss the effects of exercise on maternal nutritional needs during pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation
  
• List three substances that provide energy for the body and explain how the maternal system uses them
  
• Identify components of a well-balanced diet
  

1:15 - 2:00 pm Perinatal Fitness and the Role of the Perinatal Fitness Educator

• Describe the benefits of perinatal exercise
  
• Discuss ACOG exercise guidelines and contraindications
  
• Identify common myths and concerns relating to perinatal fitness
  
• Discuss the needs of the fit and unfit mother
  

2:00 pm Break

2:15 - 4:00 pm Key Components of Perinatal Exercise

• Describe components of a neutral spine
  
• Discuss elements of good posture and demonstrate the use of proper body mechanics
  
• Explain the action of the trunk/core muscles and identify the musculoskeletal actions in the lower body
  
• Discuss the function of the pelvic floor muscles and explain how to do Kegel exercises
  
• Summarize diastasis recti and demonstrate at least one abdominal exercise to perform when diastasis recti is present

DAY TWO
Thursday, October 23

7:30 - 8:00 am Continental Breakfast (included with registration)

8:00 - 9:30 am Mind-Body Techniques: Breath Awareness, Relaxation, and Massage

• Explain why breath awareness is essential to relaxation and demonstrate at least three different kinds of breathing techniques
  
• Discuss the benefits of relaxation as they relate to childbearing and childrearing
  
• Evaluate and then perform at least four different strategies that will enhance the sensation of relaxation
  
• Demonstrate at least four different massage techniques that can be done during a perinatal fitness class
  

9:30 am Break

9:45 - 11:30 am Perinatal Fitness Programs and Sample Class Format

• Describe safety concerns for perinatal fitness
  
• Discuss the value of different kinds of exercise - such as cardiovascular exercise, water exercise, strength training, stretching, and yoga - and explain how they benefit the pregnant woman
  
• Demonstrate specific yoga and strengthening exercises that are appropriate for a perinatal fitness class
  
• Evaluate and then perform a sample perinatal fitness class format
  

11:30 am Lunch (included with registration)

12:30 - 2:00 pm Fitness for the Postpartum Mother and Sample Exercises

• Describe the physiological and emotional adaptations that occur during the postpartum period
  
• Explain the causes of common physical discomforts associated with postpartum and identify possible ways to alleviate or cope with them
  
• Discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of postpartum exercise
  
• Identify key components of postpartum exercise and demonstrate exercises that are appropriate for the postpartum mother
  

2:00 - 7:30 pm Bookcenter and Convention Registration Open

3:30 - 6:00 pm Exhibits Open

5:00 - 6:00 pm Welcome Reception