1 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Multiple studies have demonstrated a very low prevalence of women meeting physical activity and weight gain recommendations during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to provide a lifestyle intervention to increase physical activity, reduce carbohydrate intake, prevent excessive gestational weight gain, decrease postpartum weight retention, and improve mental well-being compared to "usual care" using a randomized controlled design in pregnant women. Participants in the intervention group will receive behavioral lifestyle counseling and take part in monthly one-on-one visits with a registered dietitian (RDN) from approximately week 14 of their pregnancy to child birth. Participants in the "usual care" group (control) will not receive any lifestyle counseling. Data collected from this group will be used to compare the effectiveness of the lifestyle intervention. Unlike many studies examining diet and physical activity factors alone, this study evaluates additional psychosocial factors such as psychological health, self-efficacy, competence, motivation and barriers that may influence excessive gestational weight gain. In addition, the Self-Determination Theory framework will be used to measure how motivation and motivational interviewing strategies can help explain changes in volitional behavior.