Acute COVID-19 and Respiratory Failure in Pregnancy - Physical Therapy Management

4.25 Contact Hours

According to the CDC, pregnant people are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Physical therapy intervention for this population is crucial to improving outcomes. Physical therapists who work with these patients should have specialized knowledge of the respiratory changes that occur during pregnancy in order to offer the safest and most effective treatment. In this course, participants will learn the many adaptations of the cardiopulmonary system during pregnancy. They will apply this knowledge to guide clinical decision-making regarding evaluation and treatment of pregnant patients with respiratory failure, from intensive care to the outpatient clinic. Participants will learn strategies to help their patients prepare for birth with special considerations for cardiopulmonary status. Support during the immediate postpartum period will also be discussed. This course will include a lecture, outline handout, picture handouts, and a case study. You do not have to specialize in pelvic health physical therapy, all types of PTs, PTAs and SPTs are eligible to take this course.

1. Describe the anatomical and physiological changes that occur within the respiratory system during pregnancy
2. Understand the health effects of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses on pregnant people
3. Identify appropriate treatment techniques to improve pulmonary function and maintain mobility in the pregnant person with respiratory illness
4. Assist in preparation for birth (vaginal delivery or c-section) and immediate postpartum
5. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team required for management of this patient population

Hegewald, M. J., & Crapo, R. O. (2011). Respiratory physiology in pregnancy. Clinics in Chest Medicine, 32(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccm.2010.11.001 

Jessica LeJeune, PT, DPT

Jessica is an acute care physical therapist at Emory Decatur Hospital in Decatur, GA. She has been a PT for nearly 10 years, with experience in outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation, and hospitals in Chicago, New Orleans and most recently Decatur. After having children, she became interested in pelvic health, specifically obstetric PT. Her experience in intensive care and maternity units merged with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic which has led her to develop this course.