Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Physical Activity During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more sedentary (sit, recline, lie down more) on average than non-pregnant women (more than 12 versus less than 8 waking sedentary hours/day). Sedentary behavior has been related to psychological distress, pregnancy weight gain, impaired sleep and very large size infants, while adequate physical activity has been found to improve mental health, decrease risk of high blood pressure in pregnancy and lower risk of preterm birth infants (less than 37 weeks gestation). Decreased sedentary behavior and increased physical activity may be crucial and neglected lifestyle behavior changes that can be promoted to reduce these and other maternal health and birth outcome problems among pregnant women.

Eligibility Criteria * 18 to 45 years old * speak English * 8 to 15 weeks, 6 days pregnant (gestation) * singleton pregnancy (no twins or more) * self-report less than 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity physical activity * have or are willing to identify a physical activity partner * have a cell phone with the capacity for Fitbit application (app.); secure transmission of Fitbit data; receive coaching text messages or, if not, a computer they can use to synch the fitbit, send data, and receive email messages in lieu of texts. Exclusion Criteria • Women with physical activity restrictions (e.g., placenta previa) that prevent them from completing ACOG recommended pregnancy physical activity