Limiting postpartum weight retention through early antenatal intervention: the HeLP-her randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Pregnancy poses a high risk for excessive weight gain, leading to postpartum weight retention and long-term obesity.
• Postpartum weight retention is a significant public health concern, contributing to maternal obesity and associated health issues.
• Early intervention during pregnancy is crucial to mitigate long-term weight management challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a low-intensity, self-management intervention in reducing postpartum weight retention.
• To integrate a weight management intervention seamlessly into routine antenatal care.
• To identify predictors of lower postpartum weight retention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 228 women at increased risk of gestational diabetes, recruited before 15 weeks gestation.
• Intervention group received 4 self-management sessions; control group received generic health information.
• Outcomes measured at baseline and 6 weeks postpartum included anthropometrics, physical activity, and health behaviors.

Main Results:

• The intervention group experienced significantly less weight change by 6 weeks postpartum compared to the control group (difference of 1.45 kg).
• Higher baseline body mass index (BMI), gestational diabetes diagnosis, country of birth, and older age independently predicted lower postpartum weight retention.
• Physical activity levels did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions:

• A low-intensity intervention, when integrated with standard antenatal care, is effective in limiting postpartum weight retention.
• This intervention demonstrates potential for scale-up within antenatal healthcare systems.
• Further implementation research is needed to optimize antenatal care for weight management.