Salford launches first pregnancy aquatics course

The University of Salford has launched an innovative pregnancy aquatics course which is the first of its kind to be launched in the UK.

The unique ‘pregnancy aquatics, nutrition and health’ course teaches midwives, nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists, exercise professionals and leisure industry staff how to successfully run aqua-natal classes for pregnant women.

The five day intensive course equips professionals with a broad understanding of the processes and safe practices involved with planning, implementing and evaluating aquatic sessions for pregnant women.

It also includes an exploration of public health issues such as obesity, nutrition for health and exercise, urinary incontinence and aquatic exercise.

The course can be taken as a single module for continuing professional development, as part of a full degree programme such as Salford’s BSc (Hons) Midwifery Practice, or as 20 points towards the new Level 6 qualification.

Course leader Sue Baines from the school of health, sport and rehabilitation sciences says: “This brand new course will improve women’s health by encouraging safe physical activity during pregnancy.

“An aquatics programme can increase the physical well-being of expectant mothers, tackle obesity and support a normal active birth.”

The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, presentations, demonstrations and sessions in the University of Salford’s swimming pool. The cost is £450.