Fitness Improvement in Obese, Pregnant Women: an Intervention Trial

In pregnancy, the adoption or pursuit of a sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of co-morbid conditions such as hypertension, maternal and childhood obesity, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, cesarean section and delivery of large-for-gestational-age infants (LGA). The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that obese, pregnant women following a supervised moderate intensity physical conditioning program during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy will maintain a higher level of physical activity up to the end of pregnancy, as compared to women in the control group. We will also conduct a pilot study on the feasibility to examine the effects of the intervention on maternal fitness and neonatal anthropometry.

Inclusion Criteria: * pregnant women 18 years or older * single pregnancy * delivery at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec * pre-pregnancy BMI ≥30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * multiple pregnancy * diabetes or chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy * uncontrolled thyroid problems * exercise contraindications