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Abstract
Objective: To assess the impact of a group lifestyle intervention on gestational weight gain in a cohort of obese pregnant women.
Methods: A cohort study comparing 60 pregnant women enrolled in an educational intervention with controls from the same institution who receive routine prenatal care. Subjects were matched with controls by pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity and ethnicity. Subjects participated in group and individual counseling sessions focused on diet, exercise and weight goals. The primary outcome was gestational weight gain.
Results: A greater number of patients in the intervention group met the Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations (35 versus 24, p = 0.0446). Mean gestational weight gain of participants was lower than the control group, but this was not statistically significant. Number of sessions attended was associated with a decrease in total weight gained.
Conclusion: Educational interventions targeting obese pregnant women may be an effective way to limit gestational weight gain. Participation in educational sessions likely influences total weight gain.
Declaration of interest
The Lifestyle Modification Program was funded by a March of Dimes chapter grant and by Saving Mothers (www.savingmothers.org).