Course Description:

Over 50 percent of maternal deaths occur within the first six weeks after birth. The single largest contributing factor to maternal morbidity is cesarean delivery. Despite the well-documented benefits of postsurgical rehab for hospitalized patients, individuals who have undergone C-section do not routinely have access to occupational and physical therapy after their major open abdominal surgery. Traditionally, patients start postpartum rehab six weeks or more after birth, which is outside of the critical period when the majority of maternal complications occur. Most maternal deaths that are associated with hypertensive disorders and eclampsia occur during postpartum week 1, and the majority of maternal deaths associated with infection occur between days 8 and 42. Occupational and physical therapists who work in the hospital and home are in a unique position to identify individuals who may be at greater risk for postpartum complications through evidence-based practice and the use of functional outcome measures.

This webinar will review high-quality rehab interventions and screening tools that assist the maternal medical team with identifying high-risk postpartum individuals to improve maternal function in the immediate postpartum period.