Effect of Diet and Physical Activity–based Interventions in Pregnancy on Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes: Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data from Randomized Trials

Abstract

(BMJ. 2017;358:j3991) Obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are major risk factors for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Worldwide ∼50% of women of childbearing age are obese or overweight. Interventions during pregnancy to improve diet and physical activity have shown positive effects for limiting excessive gestational weight gain. The effects of these interventions on maternal and neonatal outcomes are unclear, however. This meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD) was undertaken to assess the effects of diet and physical activity–based interventions in pregnancy on gestational weight gain and composite maternal and neonatal outcomes in specific subgroups based on body mass index, age, parity, ethnicity, and preexisting medical condition. Effects of these interventions on important individual complications were also analyzed.