Join us for the 44^th Annual Perinatal Conference Gravidas at Risk on November 4–5, 2026

Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Avenue, Drive, SE
Hickory, NC 28602

Gravidas at Risk is an annual 2-day statewide perinatal conference designed to address both inpatient and outpatient care. The 44^th Annual Perinatal Conference focuses on advancing knowledge and practical strategies for caring for pregnant individuals facing increased risk. This interdisciplinary program addresses key clinical and social factors impacting perinatal outcomes, with expert presentations on Social Determinants of Health, Intimate Partner Violence, Care of Pregnant Adolescents, and Alcohol Use During Pregnancy. In addition to clinical content, the conference highlights holistic approaches to perinatal care, including bedrest-appropriate yoga, mindfulness and mind-body strategies, and other tools to support resilience and well-being for both patients and providers. Designed for perinatal and maternal-child health professionals, this conference offers evidence-based insights, practical applications, and opportunities for reflection to enhance compassionate, whole-person care.

Hotel Information

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hickory Courtyard Marriot just steps from the convention center. Click here to book online or call 828-267-2100 to reserve your room. Please note that the Courtyard Marriot is undergoing some renovation and although guests will not be on the same floor as the renovation and no work will occur after 5 pm, an additional block of rooms is reserved just next door at the Fairfield Marriot: Click here to book online or call 828-431-3000. All reservations must be made by October 13, 2026 to receive the group rate of $159.00 plus tax.

Objectives     

•  Identify maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.
• Apply evidence-informed screening, brief intervention, and referral strategies for alcohol use during pregnancy.
• Describe the unique medical, psychosocial, and developmental needs of pregnant adolescents.
• Explain indications, precautions, and benefits of therapeutic bedrest yoga and evaluate its role in promoting physical comfort, circulation, and emotional well-being in at-risk pregnant patients.
• Analyze how social determinants of health influence perinatal outcomes and integrate equitable, culturally responsive strategies to reduce barriers to care.
• Recognize signs of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and utilize safe, confidential, and evidence-based screening and referral practices to support affected individuals.
• Demonstrate mindfulness-based strategies that support emotional regulation, stress reduction, and mind–body connection for care providers.
• Evaluate the current applications of artificial intelligence in obstetric care, including their potential benefits and limitations in improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

Available Credits

Full Conference Nov 4-5

• 10.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
• 10.0 Nursing Contact Hours
  Northwest AHEC is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

November 4 Only / November 5 Only

• 5.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
• 5.0 Nursing Contact Hours
  Northwest AHEC is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Registration Fees

• $265.00 - Two-day registration fee per person
• $250.00 - Registration fee per person when a group of three or more registrations are scanned and attached to the same email or mailed in the same envelope or included in the same fax.
• $145.00 - One-day registration fee per person
  
  

Read the Recap from last year's 2025 Conference - Click Here