Evidence-based Educational Materials and Local Resources for Improving Exercise-related Outcomes During Pregnancy

Study Summary

Despite the well-established benefits of physical activity, only 23% of pregnant women report exercising in accordance with guidelines recommended by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Further, pregnant women report receiving little or no advice about physical activity during pregnancy from their health care provider; thus, the scientific evidence supporting physical activity during pregnancy does not appear to be translating into the clinic and the community. The goal of this project is to determine if the distribution of evidence-based educational materials and local resources will increase knowledge regarding the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy, patient-provider communication about physical activity during pregnancy, and physical activity levels during pregnancy. Hypothesis A: Pregnant women who receive evidence-based educational materials and local resources will have increased knowledge regarding the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy. Hypothesis B: Pregnant women who receive evidence-based educational materials and local resources will have more communication with their health care provider about physical activity. Hypothesis C: Pregnant women who receive educational information and local resources will report increased physical activity levels. Hypothesis D: Pregnant women who receive evidence-based educational materials and local resources will have improved pregnancy outcomes including lower gestational weight gain, lower insulin resistance (as determined by their clinical oral glucose tolerance test), and healthier neonatal birthweight.

Primary Outcome

Validated survey tools from previous studies (and tested in a separate cohort of local women)

Interventions

• OTHER Physical Activity Education and Resources