Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training (PPPT) Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pregnancy, exercise, and
parenting. The primary reference is AR 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness, paragraphs 7-9,
7-10 and 7-11. (http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf)
Additional information for Soldiers and Army Leaders may be found in USACHPPM Technical
Guide 281, Guide to Female Soldier Readiness (TG 281).
Q. Is PPPT mandatory?
A. Yes.
IAW AR 40-501, 7-9b(3): The commander will counsel all female Soldiers as required by AR
600–8–24 or AR 635–200. The unit commander will consult with medical personnel as required.
IAW AR 40-501, 7-9d(7): Upon the diagnosis of pregnancy, the Soldier is exempt from regular
unit physical fitness training and APFT testing/weight standards for the duration of the
pregnancy and 180 days past pregnancy termination. After receiving medical clearance from
their health care provider to participate in physical training, commanders will enroll Soldiers
who are pregnant or postpartum to take part in the Army Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical
Training (PPPT) Program.
IAW AR 350-1, Appendix G-9a.(10)(a): Senior Commanders, as the functional proponent, will
ensure that all eligible Soldiers participate in the PPPT Program and that personnel are available
to conduct the physical training portion of the PPPT Program for the pregnant/postpartum
Soldier in a manner that is consistent with the content, standards, policies, procedures, and
responsibilities as set forth in the USACHPPM Technical Guide series 255A-E, U.S. Army
Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training Program manuals.
Soldiers who do not attend unit PT are still required to receive counseling by the Commander,
obtain a pregnancy profile from their Health Care Provider, and enroll in the PPPT program. A
pregnant/ postpartum Soldier that normally is allowed to do PT on her own should attend as
frequently as her work schedule will allow. The support and encouragement, as well as the
specific exercise design of the PPPT Program, is beneficial even if she is unable to attend full-
time. When she does PT on her own, she can mirror what is done in class on her own time.
The Remote Soldier component of the Army PPPT program is available from the USACHPPM
website: http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw/Readiness/PPPT.aspx. This tool is
recommended for Reserve and National Guard Soldiers, and those Soldiers assigned to remote
locations where no organized PPPT is available.
Q. Is PT safe during pregnancy?
A. Yes. Consistent participation in moderate physical training most days of the week is healthy
for a mom-to-be and her baby and recommended during healthy pregnancies. A pregnant
Soldier should never exercise to exhaustion or breathlessness, but exercise at her own pace to the
