Community-based Exercise and Dietary Intervention During Pregnancy:A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo determine the feasibility of implementing a communitybased exercise/dietary intervention program targeted at socioeconomically deprived pregnant women living in an urban core in an attempt to reduce risks of obesity and diabetes.METHODSFifty-two participants were enrolled and randomized into additional intervention (AI) and standard care (SC) groups. Participants in the AI group undertook group and homebased exercises during pregnancy and received computerassisted Food Choice Map dietary interviews and counselling. Participants in the SC group received an information package on diet and activity for a healthy pregnancy.RESULTSForty-five participants completed the study (SC group, n=21, AI group, n=24). No adverse effects of exercise were observed during the study. Physical activity levels in the AI group were greater than those in the SC group (p<0.01). Favourable trends in the reduction of excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, macrosomia and the requirement for weight-related procedures during birth were found in the AI group compared with the SC group.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of the lifestyle intervention during pregnancy and its potential to improve pregnancy outcomes in urban communities.

RÉSUMÉOBJECTIFPLAN ET MÉTHODESRÉSULTATSCONCLUSIONS