Dietitian-led 'Healthy Conversations' protocol aims to optimize gestational weight gain and maternal-infant outcomes

A woman's lifestyle during pregnancy profoundly influences the future health of both mother and child, with gestational weight gain (GWG) being a critical determinant. Suboptimal GWG is linked to adverse outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and increased risk of childhood obesity, driven by principles of fetal programming. Despite clear guidelines, there's a significant gap in understanding how best to support women in achieving healthy weights throughout pregnancy. Current standard-of-care often lacks the personalized, sustained lifestyle counseling needed to address complex behavioral changes, leaving many women without adequate support to navigate nutritional and physical activity challenges.

This study outlines a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol investigating additional lifestyle support for pregnant women. Participants will be randomized into two groups, blinded to allocation. The intervention group receives supportive prenatal counseling from a Registered Dietitian (RD) trained in 'Healthy Conversations,' a patient-centered communication method. These sessions, concurrent with lifestyle questionnaires, focus on setting and tracking health goals. The control group completes questionnaires with a control RD but without additional support. All participants undergo two in-person visits and two follow-up telephone calls. Data collected includes diet, physical activity, gestational weight gain, delivery, and infant outcomes.