Top 10 Pre- and Postnatal Fitness Certifications for Trainers
- Maike Mancuso
- 6 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Hey fitness pros - if you’re coaching moms, you’ll want to consider expanding and becoming a pre- and postnatal fitness coach / trainer. A large portion of your female clients will eventually become pregnant or have had children. The core and pelvic-floor knowledge you’ll gain from these certifications isn’t just for pregnancy/postpartum clients — it also applies to older adults and anyone dealing with core instability or pelvic-health issues. Learning how the core pressure system, breathing mechanics, and load transfer change during and after pregnancy will make you a stronger, smarter coach. Even if you’re not planning to specialise in prenatal/postnatal work, one of these certifications could be a solid continuing-education add-on.
Here are 10 of the best pre- and postnatal fitness certifications available. For each: full name, website link, price (where available), format (online/in-person), continuing-education recognition, hours if available, what the program focuses on and who developed it or how it’s positioned.
Here is a quick overview for Pre & Postnatal Fintess Coach Certs (more details below)
Certification | Price | Format | CEU Recognition | Hours | Focus / Highlights | Best For |
$799 | 100% online, self-paced | ACE 3.6, NASM 1.9, AFAA 1.5, ISSA 20, NSCA 2 | ~30–35 | Deep dive into pregnancy & postpartum training, core + pelvic floor, return-to-impact programming | Comprehensive all-rounder; best overall | |
$799 (varies) | Online self-study | ISSA specialization | ~20–30 (estimate) | Training, nutrition, and safety through all stages | Trainers already ISSA-certified | |
$799 | 100% online | NASM 1.9, ACE 3.6, AFAA 15, ISSA 20, NSCA 2, NCSF 7 | 17 modules (~30 hrs) | Evidence-based, practical programming, full-body recovery | Certified pros seeking CEUs | |
$299 | Online or in-person workshop | 8 NETA CECs, 0.8 ACE | 8-hour workshop | Anatomy, hormones, modifications, diastasis | Coaches who prefer live training | |
$399 (approx.) | Online, self-paced | Not listed | Self-paced | Trimester-specific guidelines, pelvic health, mental wellbeing | Coaches working with moms in groups | |
$585 | Online, self-paced | NASM, AFAA, ACE, PAA, ISSA | 12 modules / 60+ videos | Detailed video lessons, birth-prep focus | Pilates/yoga or group trainers | |
$185 | Online self-guided | ACE 1.0, NASM 0.8, AFAA 8 | Not listed (~6–8 hrs est.) | Safe workouts, postpartum recovery, baby-inclusive formats | Entry-level or budget option | |
$999 (varies) | 100% online | Likely NASM/ACE (CEs vary) | 10 modules | Performance-based training, athlete-focused, bridging rehab + strength | Coaches training athletes or CrossFitters | |
$899 pre-sale / $1,500 regular | Online, cohort-based | NASM, ACE, NSCA, AFAA, ISSA + others | ~2–4 months (3–5 h/week) | Coaching women holistically: mindset, body image, recovery | Trainers wanting a behavioral coaching focus | |
~$400 | Online self-study | NASM specialization | Self-paced (~20 hrs) | Women’s health across lifespan, pregnancy to menopause | NASM trainers wanting internal CEUs |
ProNatal Fitness – Pre & Postnatal Fitness Certification
Website: pronatalfitness.com/fitness-professionals/online-courses/ (ProNatal Fitness)
Price: US $799 (or “as low as US $50/month”). (ProNatal Fitness)
Format: 100% online, self-paced. (ProNatal Fitness)
CE/Credit recognition: Approved for ACE (3.6 CECs), NASM (1.9 CEUs), AFAA (1.5 CECs), ISSA (20 CECs), NSCA (2), etc. (ProNatal Fitness)
Hours: ~30–35 hours across 17 modules. (ProNatal Fitness)
Focus: Safe & effective program design for all pregnancy and postpartum stages, exercise changes through pregnancy and the “return to impact/high-intensity” postnatal. Includes video lessons, templates, birth-prep guide, nutrition for pregnancy. (ProNatal Fitness)
Background: Touted as “#1 recommended pre & postnatal fitness certification in the U.S.” by the company. (ProNatal Fitness)
ISSA – Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness Instructor Course
Website: issaonline.com/certification/prenatal-and-postnatal-fitness-instructor (ISSA)
Price: (Not explicitly listed on the page I accessed)
Format: 100% online self-study. (ISSA)
CE recognition: ISSA is a major cert body; this course is part of their specialization path. (Though I didn’t find exact CEUs listed)
Hours: Not clearly listed in the source I found.
Focus: Training clients before, during and after pregnancy; covers maternal wellness, nutritional changes, exercise modifications, risk management. (ISSA)
Background: Developed by a widely recognized certification body (ISSA) for fitness professionals who want to specialize with prenatal/postnatal clients.
AFPA – Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist Certification
Website: afpafitness.com/product/prenatal-postnatal-fitness-specialist-certification/ (AFPA)
Price: US $799 (regular price, as listed). (AFPA)
Format: 100% online self-study. (AFPA)
CE recognition: NASM 1.9, ACE 3.6, AFAA 15, CANFITPRO 4, ISSA 20, NSCA 2.0, NCSF 7. (AFPA)
Hours: Course includes 17 modules and “complete in 6 months or less.” (AFPA)
Focus: Evidence-based curriculum for pregnant and postpartum clients; program design, safe exercises, client resources, full body recovery and return to activity. (AFPA)
Background: AFPA partnered with ProNatal Fitness for curriculum in this certification. (AFPA)
Net A – NETA Pre & Post Natal Specialty Certification
Website: netafit.org/certifications/specialty/pre-post-natal-specialty-certification/ (netafit.org)
Price: US $299 (according to one listing). (netafit.org)
Format: Can be live workshop or online (depending on offering). (netafit.org)
CE recognition: 8 NETA CECs, 0.8 ACE (for virtual workshop example) (netafit.org)
Hours: The live workshop example shows an 8 hour day (8:00 am-5:00 pm) for one offering. (netafit.org)
Focus: Physiological/hormonal changes during pregnancy, safe exercise modifications, postpartum programming including pelvic floor and diastasis recti. (netafit.org)
Background: NETA is a national exercise trainers association offering specialty certifications for fitness professionals.
Fit4Mom – Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Certification
Website: fit4mom.com/prenatal-postnatal-fitness-foundations-course (fit4mom.com)
Price: Not clearly listed on the page I found.
Format: Online self-paced course. (fit4mom.com)
CE recognition: Was not clearly marked in the snippet I found.
Hours: Not clearly listed in my source.
Focus: Designed to empower fitness professionals to connect with mothers at every age/stage; includes physical/mental changes during pregnancy and postpartum, pelvic floor health, trimester specific guidelines. (fit4mom.com)
Background: Fit4Mom is a known brand in mama fitness space. This certification adds a specialized credential for professionals.
PregActive – Prenatal & Postnatal Training Certification
Website: pregactive.com/Prenatal-Fitness-Course (pregactive.com)
Price: US $585 (as listed on site) (pregactive.com)
Format: Online, self-paced, no prerequisites. (pregactive.com)
CE recognition: CEUs from NASM, AFAA, ACE, PAA, ISSA, AusActive etc. (pregactive.com)
Hours: 12 modules, 200+ lessons, 60+ training videos, over 100 prenatal topics. (pregactive.com)
Focus: Designed by experienced prenatal fitness specialist (Kerryn) for trainers, yoga/pilates instructors, physiotherapists etc; guide expecting/new mothers through safe & effective exercise. (pregactive.com)
Background: PregActive has been around since 2015 and is a global leader in prenatal instructor training according to their website. (pregactive.com)
Oh Baby! Fitness – Pre & Postnatal Fitness Training Certification
Website: ohbabyfitness.com/courses/prenatal-postnatal-fitness-training-certification/ (Oh Baby! Fitness)
Price: US $185 (as listed) (Oh Baby! Fitness)
Format: Online self-guided training manual + online exam. (Oh Baby! Fitness)
CE recognition: Approved provider for ACE (1.0 CECs), AFAA (8 CECs), NASM (0.8 CEUs), ISSA (8 CEUs). (Oh Baby! Fitness)
Hours: Not explicitly stated; course claims to cover entire pregnancy and postpartum; includes videos & materials. (Oh Baby! Fitness)
Focus: Exercise during pregnancy, safe abdominal & pelvic floor exercises, healing abdominal separation (diastasis), return to exercise post-birth, class types with baby. (Oh Baby! Fitness)
Background: Oh Baby! Fitness specialises in pregnancy/postnatal exercise certification and class formats.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism by Pelvic Global / Everyday Battles
Website: academy.pelvicglobal.com/course/updated-pregnancy-postpartum-athleticism-certification(academy.pelvicglobal.com)
Price: Not clearly listed in my source snippet.
Format: Online certification course (intro-intermediate) for personal trainers, PTs, OT/OTAs, health practitioners. (academy.pelvicglobal.com)
CE recognition: Not specified in my source snippet (but likely exists).
Hours: 10 modules. (academy.pelvicglobal.com)
Focus: Training pregnant/postpartum athletes; core + pelvic health issues; bridging rehab to athletic performance; movement progressions and prescriptions. (academy.pelvicglobal.com)
Background: Developed by Brianna Battles, founder of Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism and Everyday Battles LLC. (academy.pelvicglobal.com)
GGS (Girls Gone Strong) – Pre- & Postnatal Coaching Certification
Website: girlsgonestrong.com/pre-and-postnatal-certification/ (Girls Gone Strong)
Price: US $1,500 (general public price) but pre-sale price one-time payment US $899 (or US $89/month). (Girls Gone Strong)
Format: Study at your own pace, online. Enrollment opens in cohorts. (Girls Gone Strong)
CE recognition: CEUs from 17+ global organizations (including NASM, NSCA, ACE, ACSM, AFAA, ISSA, CANFITPRO, etc). (Girls Gone Strong)
Hours: Approx 20 chapters/modules; many students finish in 2-4 months at ~3-5 hours/week. (Girls Gone Strong)
Focus: Coaching women across pregnancy/postpartum stages; diastasis recti, pelvic floor, hormonal change, body image, postpartum recovery, return to exercise, behaviour change psychology. (Girls Gone Strong)
Background: GGS is recognized for evidence-based women’s strength training education; this certification adds pre/postnatal specialisation.
NASM – Women’s Fitness Specialist (WFS) / Women’s Fitness Specialization
Website: nasm.org/continuing-education/fitness-specializations/womens-fitness-specialization (NASM)
Price: Different packages; one listing shows €375 (~US $400) for European version. (Nordic Fitness Education)
Format: Online self-guided. (Nordic Fitness Education)
CE recognition: Since it’s a NASM specialization, it’s recognised by NASM and often counts toward their continuing education.
Hours: Not clearly listed in my sources.
Focus: Covers women’s physiology across the lifespan including pregnancy and postpartum; exercise program modifications, female-specific considerations, nutrition, aging. (Nordic Fitness Education)
Background: From the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a top certification body; this is a specialization rather than solely pre/postnatal but includes those client populations.
My Top Pick & Quick Guidance
If I had to pick one “overall favourite” for someone who wants depth + recognition + flexible online format, I’d go with ProNatal Fitness – Pre & Postnatal Fitness Certification. It offers ~30–35 hours of content, strong CE-recognition (ACE, NASM, ISSA etc), and major emphasis on core, pelvic floor, birth preparation and return to impact. The price (~US $799) is higher than some simple workshops but seems well justified for value.
What to consider when choosing:
Does your primary cert body accept the CEUs (NASM, ACE, etc)?
Online vs in-person: Does the format fit your schedule and learning style?
Hours and depth: Are you getting enough content to feel confident?
Population focus: Some courses lean more “athlete in pregnancy/postpartum” (Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism) versus general moms.
Business tools: Does it include templates, programming, workout libraries, marketing support?
Scope of practice clarity: Ensure it aligns with what you legally train (fitness vs rehab/physio).
Price vs value: A basic course at US $185 (Oh Baby!) might be fine for a quick intro; deeper credentials cost more.
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