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Implementing a diet and exercise program for limiting maternal weight gain in obese pregnant women: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Lee Amelia,
Karpavicius Jane,
Gasparini Elisabeth,
Forster Della
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2012.01436.x
Subject(s) - medicine , weight gain , overweight , pregnancy , weight management , program evaluation , physical therapy , limiting , birth weight , obesity , obstetrics , family medicine , body weight , mechanical engineering , public administration , biology , political science , engineering , genetics
Background Thirty‐four per cent of A ustralian women having a baby are overweight or obese. Excessive gestational weight gain leads to significant complications for mother and baby, not only during the pregnancy but in the long term. Limiting weight gain in pregnancy is thought to reduce complications, but there is limited evidence to guide practice. Aim To test the feasibility and acceptance of an intervention aimed at limiting gestational weight gain in obese pregnant women. Methods A low‐cost multidisciplinary program, comprised of four individual dietary education sessions and three exercise classes, was developed and implemented at a tertiary hospital in metropolitan M elbourne, A ustralia. The M aternal W eight M anagement program was offered to obese women at their pregnancy booking visit. Program uptake and women's views of the program were explored via telephone survey, and pregnancy and birth outcomes collected. Results Seventy‐four women participated in this pilot study; 95% attended at least one session of the program and the attrition rates were high. Fifty‐three per cent completed the postnatal survey. Women confirmed their preference for individual appointments and felt it was important for the hospital to offer a weight management program. Conclusions The program we designed had poor uptake and cannot be recommended in its current format. Future studies and considerations could look at more acceptable program design and recruitment strategies and should include formative work with women who would be eligible for such intervention.