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In an era where the safety and benefits of exercise during pregnancy has been established by science, clinicians and fitness professionals need evidence-based tools to effectively support their clients. This webinar bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that pregnancy is treated as a window of opportunity for lifelong health.

This class will help participants:

• Describe current recommendations for exercise during pregnancy. Moving beyond outdated guidance, we will cover modern recommendations, focusing on the frequency, intensity, and types of movement that optimize maternal-fetal outcomes and reduce the risk of complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
• Explain contraindications and red flags for prenatal exercise. You will learn to differentiate between absolute and relative contraindications, as well as how to identify "red flag" symptoms that require immediate cessation of exercise and medical referral.
• Discuss the importance of pelvic floor health during pregnancy. Pelvic floor health is vital for athletes and non-athletes during pregnancy. Key considerations during exercise will be discussed based on current and emerging evidence.
• Understand the unique considerations of high intensity exercise during pregnancy. For pregnant athletes, moderate intensity walking isn't always the goal. We will explore contemporary evidence about previously “taboo” training in pregnancy including high intensity exercise, heavy resistance exercise and endurance training for athletic populations.

About your instructor:

Dr. Margie Davenport is an exercise physiologist and Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. She holds the Christenson Professorship in Active Healthy Living and is the Director of the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health (www.exerciseandpregnancy.ca; established 2013). Dr. Davenport's work focuses on closing the research gap for pregnant/postpartum women, and ensuring equitable access to safe, evidence-based physical activity and nutrition resources. She served as the Chair of the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy and the 2025 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep throughout the First Year Postpartum, and the upcoming 2026 International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement for Pregnant and Postpartum Athletes.

Dr. Davenport has published more than 200 manuscripts related to physical activity and sport during preconception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. Over the last decade, she has worked with a number of national and international organizations including FIFA, the Women’s Tennis Association, the World Health Organization, and the International Olympic Committee to champion inclusive research and policies to support the health of athletes during and following pregnancy.

*This course contains the necessary material to file for continuing education credit in your state.

All live courses are recorded for purchasers.