Health coaching to prevent excessive gestational weight gain: A randomized-controlled trial

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of a health coaching (HC) intervention designed to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), and promote positive psychosocial and motivational outcomes in comparison with an Education Alone (EA) group. DesignRandomized-controlled trial. MethodsTwo hundred and sixty-one women who were <18weeks pregnant consented to take part. Those allocated to the HC group received a tailored HC intervention delivered by a Health Coach, whilst those in the EA group attended two education sessions. Women completed measures, including motivation, psychosocial variables, sleep quality, and knowledge, beliefs and expectations concerning GWG, at 15weeks of gestation (Time 1) and 33weeks of gestation (Time 2). Post-birth data were also collected at 2months post-partum (Time 3). ResultsThere was no intervention effect in relation to weight gained during pregnancy, rate of excessive GWG or birth outcomes. The only differences between HC and EA women were higher readiness (b=0.29, 95% CIs=0.03-0.55, p<.05) and the importance to achieve a healthy GWG (b=0.27, 95% CIs=0.02-0.52, p<.05), improved sleep quality (b=-0.22, 95% CIs=-0.44 to -0.03, p<.05), and increased knowledge for an appropriate amount of GWG that would be best for their baby's health (b=-1.75, 95% CI=-3.26 to -0.24, p<.05) reported by the HC at Time 2. ConclusionsWhilst the HC intervention was not successful in preventing excessive GWG, several implications for the design of future GWG interventions were identified, including the burden of the intervention commitment and the use of weight monitoring.