I’ve spent 19 years in the fitness industry, and almost all of that time has been dedicated to one mission: ensuring mums are looked after safely and effectively. And yet, it still surprises me how many highly skilled trainers feel underprepared when a pregnant or postnatal woman walks into the gym.
 
In Australia we welcome close to 300,000 babies each year. Women are having babies later, staying active longer, and training at higher intensities. And with more women using fitness facilities than men, mums aren’t the “niche” population the industry once assumed - you’re actually one of the biggest groups walking into gyms.
 
Which is exactly why it’s so important to train with someone who understands the unique needs of pregnancy and postpartum.
 
Why specialised knowledge matters for your body

Pregnancy and postpartum involve real physiological changes to your pelvic floor, abdominal wall, musculoskeletal system, sleep, hormones and mental health. All of these factors should shape how your exercise program is designed.
 
We now have strong research showing that:

• Pelvic floor muscle training reduces the risk of urinary incontinence
• Back and pelvic girdle pain are common - and highly modifiable with the right movement
• Smart exercise during pregnancy can support smoother recoveries postpartum

 
When your trainer understands these elements, your workouts become safer, more supportive and more effective for your long-term health.
 
Here’s what mums should look for when choosing a trainer

These five points are often directed at fitness professionals - but they’re even more important for you to know when choosing who to work with.
 
1. Pregnancy and postpartum change the “rules of the game”
Your trainer should screen for pelvic floor health, abdominal separation, birth history, red flags and appropriate referral pathways. Many women experience pelvic floor symptoms during pregnancy and long into postpartum - and coaching the right load, breath, posture and pressure strategies makes a huge difference.
 
2. Prevention is better than cure
Correct pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy has been shown to reduce incontinence risk both during pregnancy and after birth. When you understand your body from the inside out, you’re more likely to keep training consistently, and that consistency is essential during motherhood.
 
3. They should know when to refer you to a pelvic health physio
Australia’s postpartum care is inconsistent, and many women don’t receive a standardised check-in after birth. This means your trainer or studio often becomes the frontline of support. A safe, well-educated trainer knows what’s within their scope and when collaboration with a pelvic health physio is essential.
 
4. Safe coaching has a ripple effect
With nearly 300,000 births a year, improving how women are supported in gyms has a massive impact on families and communities. When trainers truly understand how to work with mums, we move closer to the day no woman ever has to say, “Why did nobody tell me?”
 
5. Specialisation matters and it’s good for YOU.
A trainer who specialises in pre- and postnatal fitness has invested extra time in understanding your body. They become the “go-to” expert in your area, often recommended by physios and health professionals, which usually means you’ll receive safer, more informed, more personalised care.
 
How to know if a trainer is genuinely qualified
The fitness industry is still under-regulated, and it can be hard to tell the difference between a trainer who has completed proper education and one who hasn’t.
 
When you see the MumSafe Trainer logo, you know that trainer:
• Holds at least one credible pre- and postnatal certification (13+ CPDs, completed within 3 years)
• Is committed to ongoing education provided by MumSafe
• Is registered with AUSactive or an equivalent body
• Has appropriate insurance
• Has a two-way partnership with a pelvic health physiotherapist for continued care
 
They also:
• Complete thorough pre-screening that includes pregnancy, birth experience, pelvic floor, and postpartum history
• Will never use “bounce back” messaging or pre-baby body pressure
• Create progressive, personalised programs with adaptations for your current stage and symptoms
 
Why MumSafe™ exists
I created MumSafe™ to support trainers with the education, community, referral pathways and business skills they need to care for mums safely at every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.
 
If you’re a mum reading this ask your coach, PT or studio about their qualifications for training pregnant and postpartum women. Your body deserves to be understood, respected, and supported by someone who truly knows what they're doing.
 
And if you are a fitness professional reading this, let this be the time you choose to level up.
 
 
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