Digital care guide aims to reduce pregnancy weight gain and improve mental well-being in women with BMI ≥25

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnant women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or above is a significant public health concern, linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These include increased risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and postpartum weight retention for the mother, as well as macrosomia and higher childhood obesity risk for the infant. Current standard-of-care often lacks comprehensive, accessible, and personalized support for lifestyle modifications, leaving a critical gap in managing GWG and associated mental health challenges during pregnancy.

This study employs a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design to examine the effectiveness of a digital care guide, HealthyPregnancy, among pregnant women with a BMI ≥25. The intervention provides support and information on diet, physical exercise, and mental well-being. The study design involves clusters (e.g., clinics or geographical areas) transitioning from a control phase (standard care) to an intervention phase (access to the digital guide) at staggered intervals. Primary endpoints include pregnancy weight gain and measures of mental well-being, with comparisons made between intervention and control periods within and across clusters.

As an ongoing stepped-wedge cluster randomized study, this abstract outlines the hypotheses rather than presenting definitive findings. The investigators hypothesize that access to the HealthyPregnancy digital care guide, which focuses on diet, exercise, and mental support, will significantly support a reduced weight gain in pregnancy among participants with a BMI ≥25. Furthermore, they anticipate that the intervention will lead to a measurable improvement in the mental wellbeing of the participants, addressing the psychological aspects often intertwined with managing weight during pregnancy. The study aims to provide robust evidence on the efficacy of digital health solutions in this vulnerable population.