Postpartum Lifestyle Intervention Research Articles

Postpartum life interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disease that seriously endangers life and health, but women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postpartum lifestyle intervention on the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the effect of lifestyle intervention on glycemic outcomes and anthropometric measures. We searched PubMed and other databases to retrieve articles published before May 21, 2023, on randomized controlled trials of postnatal lifestyle interventions (diet and/or physical activity) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. We estimated the pooled odds ratios using fixed or random effects models and conducted a subgroup analysis of the different intervention methods to explore differences in the different lifestyle interventions. The review included 17 randomized controlled trials. Overall, lifestyle changes started after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus an 11% (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.07) reduction in diabetes risk; significant differences were found for weight (MD = -1.33; 95% CI: [-1.76; -0.89], P < 0.00001) body mass index (MD = -0.53; 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.32], P < 0.00001), and waist circumference change (MD = -1.38; 95% CI: [-2.12; -0.64], P = 0.0002) but not for fasting glucose (MD = -0.06; 95% CI: [-0.19; 0.06], P = 0.32), 2 h glucose (MD = -0.12; 95% CI: [-0.30; 0.06], P = 0.19), and hemoglobin A1c (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: [-0.23; 0.02], P = 0.09). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in the effects of different lifestyle interventions on the incidence of type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels, and anthropometric parameters. Our comprehensive meta-analysis of lifestyle interventions can improve modifiable anthropometric measures in women with gestational diabetes. We need further research to provide more intensive lifestyle intervention, more scientific intervention methods, and to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with gestational diabetes.

Intervention Strategies to Address Barriers and Facilitators to a Healthy Lifestyle Using the Behaviour Change Wheel: A Qualitative Analysis of the Perspectives of Postpartum Women.

Postpartum women experience unique barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyles after birth. Theory-based behaviour change techniques and intervention strategies can be integrated into postpartum lifestyle interventions to enable women to overcome barriers to change. This study aims to explore barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthy postpartum lifestyle behaviours and develop intervention strategies for integration in a postpartum lifestyle intervention using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women up to two years postpartum (n = 21). Interviews were thematically analysed, themes were mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behaviour Change and intervention strategies were developed using the BCW. Findings suggest that women face barriers and facilitators within capability (sleep deprivation, mental exhaustion, ability to plan), opportunity (support of friends, partners and extended families) and motivation (challenges with prioritising self, exercise to cope with stress). Intervention strategies included supporting behaviour regulation and sleep to enhance capability, engaging partners, strengthening peer support to create opportunities and highlighting the mental health benefits of healthy lifestyles to inspire motivation. Integrating targeted evidence-based behaviour change strategies into postpartum lifestyle interventions may support women in overcoming commonly reported barriers to a healthy lifestyle.

Preferred lifestyle intervention characteristics and behaviour change needs of postpartum women following cardiometabolic pregnancy complications.

Women with cardiometabolic pregnancy complications are at increased risk of future diabetes and heart disease which can be reduced through lifestyle management postpartum. This study aimed to explore preferred intervention characteristics and behaviour change needs of women with or without prior cardiometabolic pregnancy complications for engaging in postpartum lifestyle interventions. Quantitative cross-sectional study. Online survey. Overall, 473 women were included, 207 (gestational diabetes (n = 105), gestational hypertension (n = 39), preeclampsia (n = 35), preterm birth (n = 65) and small for gestational age (n = 23)) with and 266 without prior cardiometabolic pregnancy complications. Women with and without complications had similar intervention preferences, with delivery ideally by a healthcare professional with expertise in women's health, occurring during maternal child health nurse visits or online, commencing 7 weeks to 3 months post birth, with 15- to 30-min monthly sessions, lasting 1 year and including monitoring of progress and social support. Women with prior complications preferred intervention content on women's health, mental health, exercise, mother's diet and their children's health and needed to know more about how to change behaviour, have more time to do it and feel they want to do it enough to participate. There were significant differences between groups, with more women with prior cardiometabolic pregnancy complications wanting content on women's health (87.9% vs 80.8%, p = 0.037), mother's diet (72.5% vs 60.5%, p = 0.007), preventing diabetes or heart disease (43.5% vs 27.4%, p < 0.001) and exercise after birth (78.3% vs 68.0%, p = 0.014), having someone to monitor their progress (69.6% vs 58.6%, p = 0.014), needing the necessary materials (47.3% vs 37.6%, p = 0.033), triggers to prompt them (44.0% vs 31.6%, p = 0.006) and feeling they want to do it enough (73.4%, 63.2%, p = 0.018). These unique preferences should be considered in future postpartum lifestyle interventions to enhance engagement, improve health and reduce risk of future cardiometabolic disease in these high-risk women.

Postpartum Lifestyle Behaviors among Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Data from the HUNT Study.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Clinical guidelines for postpartum follow-up after HDP often recommend lifestyle counseling to reduce this risk. However, knowledge about lifestyle behaviors and perceptions among women with a history of HDP is limited. We linked data from the fourth survey of the population-based Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4) with data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. The associations between HDP and postpartum lifestyle behaviors and perceptions were examined using multivariable logistic regression. In a secondary analysis, HUNT4 participants with a recent history of pre-eclampsia were compared with women with a recent history of pre-eclampsia participating in a postpartum pilot intervention study. Lifestyle behaviors and perceptions were self-reported and included diet (intake frequency of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and sugar-sweetened beverages), alcohol intake, physical activity, sleep, smoking, lifestyle satisfaction, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Among 7551 parous HUNT4 participants, 610 had a history of HDP. We found no differences in lifestyle behaviors between women with and without a history of HDP. However, women with HDP had higher odds of being unsatisfied with their lifestyle. Women with pre-eclampsia participating in a postpartum lifestyle intervention study tended to have a healthier lifestyle at baseline than women participating in HUNT4. Future studies should explore how lifestyle intervention programs could be adapted to the needs of women who have experienced HDP or other pregnancy complications that are associated with an increased risk of CVD.

Co-designing a community lifestyle intervention program to reduce postpartum weight retention.

Postpartum weight retention is a major contributor to obesity in later life resulting in long-term health consequences in women. Postpartum lifestyle interventions are known to be effective in reducing postpartum weight retention and improving the overall health and wellbeing of mothers but have poor reach and engagement. This study describes the engagement of mothers with young children in the development of a theory- and evidence-based intervention to reduce postpartum weight retention. A participatory design methodology with input from a community mothers'group, literature reviewsand an expert advisory group was applied. Mothers who were members of 'Mothers of Preschoolers' (MOPS) were invited to participate in a focus group discussion and two co-design workshop sessions. Thirteen women participated in a focus group discussion and 12 women in each co-design workshop. We found that mothers valued having social support from their peers, practical support such as meal delivery, and learning opportunities that focus on the mother's health and wellbeing. The advisory group suggested leveraging the unique skills and prior experiences of mothers within the group and developing a curriculum that mothers can be trained to deliver. A program that emphasizes the strengths and value of mothers can increase their self-worth and self-confidence resulting in intrinsic motivation to improve lifestyle behaviours. An intervention designed to be implemented by MOPS for its members and incorporated into their regular sessions has the potential for feasibility and acceptability among mothers with young children. Mothers with young children were part of the program planners and were involved in the design and conduct of this study and in the interpretation of the findings. A member of a community mothers'group recruited other mothers with young children within the group to participate in a series of sessions to discuss their experiences of the postpartum period and preferences for a lifestyle program. The mothers identified the behavioural outcomes and program goals for a postpartum lifestyle program and then generated the program ideas based on these.

Postpartum lifestyle behaviour among women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus: evidence from the HUNT study

IntroductionWomen with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recommendations for postpartum follow-up include targeted lifestyle...

The effect of postpartum lifestyle interventions on blood pressure: a systematic literature review: Erratum.

The effect of postpartum lifestyle interventions on blood pressure: a systematic literature review: Erratum.

Postpartum women’s experiences in a randomized controlled trial of a web-based lifestyle intervention following Gestational Diabetes: a qualitative study

Introduction Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased maternal risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We previously demonstrated in a randomized trial that a web-based postpartum lifestyle intervention program, Balance After Baby, increased weight loss among postpartum women with recent pregnancies complicated by GDM. The aim of this analysis is to identify the impact of the intervention on study participants as assessed by exit interviews after completion of the 12 month study. Methods We conducted structured exit interviews created with a concurrent-contextual design with subjects randomized to the intervention group at the conclusion of their participation (∼12 months) in the Balance After Baby study, with the objectives of 1) understanding the impact of the intervention on participants and their family members, 2) identifying which program components were most and least helpful, and 3) identifying the perceived best timing for diabetes prevention interventions in postpartum women with recent GDM. Results Seventy-nine percent (26/33) of eligible intervention participants participated in interviews. Participants noted changes in diet and physical activity as a result of the intervention. Several components of the intervention, particularly the online modules and support from the lifestyle coach, were perceived by intervention participants to have had a positive effect on personal and familial lifestyle change, while other components were less utilized, including the community forum, YMCA memberships, and pedometers. Nearly all participants felt that the timing in the intervention study, beginning about 6 weeks postpartum, was ideal. Discussion Results of this study identify the importance of individualized coaching, impact on family members, and demonstrate that postpartum women feel ready to make changes by 6 weeks postpartum. Findings from this study will help inform the development of future technologically-based lifestyle interventions for postpartum women with recent GDM.

Abstract P146: The Effects of Lifestyle Interventions on Blood Pressure in Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review

Introduction: One in 3 parous individuals has a pregnancy complication that indicates increased risk for future hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. Lifestyle modification is recommended to reduce chronic disease risk after complicated pregnancies. However, little is known about the effect of lifestyle interventions on blood pressure in postpartum women. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effects of postpartum lifestyle interventions on blood pressure. We hypothesized that postpartum lifestyle interventions would be associated with a decrease in blood pressure. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of six databases (Google, Google Scholar, Embase, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Central, and PubMed) for relevant articles published through May 12, 2022. We considered for inclusion any randomized controlled trial or quasi-experimental, cohort, or case-control study that evaluated a postpartum lifestyle intervention and included blood pressure as an outcome. We excluded non-English publications and articles published before 2010. Two researchers independently identified eligible publications via title and abstract screening followed by full-text review, then extracted relevant data; a third researcher resolved any discrepancies. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, we were not able to conduct statistical testing. Results: In total 2,564 unique publications underwent title and abstract screening, of which 32 underwent full-text review, and eight met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies were randomized controlled trials, and five had relatively small sample sizes (&lt;100). In studies that reported race, nearly all participants identified as White (82%-100%). Seven of the studies required participants to have a history of a pregnancy complication, most often preeclampsia. Interventions usually involved diet and exercise counseling; only two included supervised exercise. Mean blood pressure declined from baseline to follow-up in all of the studies, however in none was there a statistically significant difference in blood pressure change between the intervention and control groups. While not statistically significant, the interventions that included supervised exercise appeared to be associated with greater blood pressure reductions when compared with control, than were the unsupervised interventions. Conclusions: In conclusion, we found no statistically significant effects of postpartum lifestyle interventions on blood pressure. Supervised exercise interventions appeared most promising. The evidence is limited to a handful of published studies (n=8) characterized by small sample sizes and a lack of racial diversity. Additional research with more diverse populations and supervised exercise interventions are warranted.

Effect of the e-health supported INTER-ACT lifestyle intervention on postpartum weight retention and body composition, and associations with lifestyle behavior: A randomized controlled trial

We investigated whether a postpartum lifestyle intervention reduced postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and improved body composition, and whether improved lifestyle was associated with less PPWR and improved body composition. A total of 1075 women with excessive gestational weight gain were randomized into the intervention (N = 551) or control (N = 524) group. A completion rate of 76% was reached. Anthropometrics and lifestyle data were collected at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. The e-health supported intervention consisted of 4 face-to-face coaching's, focusing on nutrition, exercise and mental wellbeing and using motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques. In the intervention group we observed; larger decrease in weight in women who reduced their energy intake (mean ± SD: 3.1 ± 4.2 kg vs. 2.2 ± 3.8 kg, P = 0.05) and decreased uncontrolled eating (3.5 ± 4.2 kg vs. 1.9 ± 3.7 kg, P ≤0.001) by the end of the intervention; larger decrease in fat percentage in women who reduced energy intake (2.3% ± 2.9 vs. 1.4% ± 2.7, P = 0.01), enhanced restrained eating (2.2% ± 3 vs. 1.4% ± 2.6, P = 0.02) and decreased uncontrolled eating (2.3% ± 2.9 vs. 1.5% ± 2.7, P = 0.01) and larger decrease in waist circumference in women who reduced energy intake (4.6 cm ± 4.8 vs. 3.3 cm ± 4.7, P = 0.01), enhanced restrained eating (4.5 cm ± 4.8 vs. 3.4 cm ± 4.8, P = 0.05) and decreased uncontrolled eating (4.7 cm ± 4.8 vs. 3.3 cm ± 4.8, P = 0.006), compared to those who did not. Improved energy intake, restrained eating and uncontrolled eating behavior were associated with more favorable outcomes in weight and body composition.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02989142.

Postpartum Women's Preferences for Lifestyle Intervention after Childbirth: A Multi-Methods Study Using the TIDieR Checklist.

Postpartum lifestyle interventions are known to be efficacious in reducing postpartum weight retention, but uptake and engagement are poor. This multi-method study explored the preferences of postpartum women for the delivery of lifestyle interventions based on the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 women within 2 years of childbirth, recruited through convenience and snowball sampling throughout Australia (15 May 2020 to 20 July 2020). Transcripts were analysed thematically using an open coding approach. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in November 2021 among postpartum women within 5 years of childbirth in Australia. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. The survey was completed by 520 women. Both the survey and interviews revealed that women were interested in receiving lifestyle support postpartum and wanted a program delivered by health professionals. They preferred a flexible low-intensity program embedded within existing maternal and child health services that is delivered through both online and face-to-face sessions. Having a pragmatic approach that taught practical strategies and enlists the support of partners, family and peers was important to mothers. Consumer-informed postpartum lifestyle interventions promote optimal engagement and improve program reach and therefore, impact.

1509-PUB: Effects of an Early Postpartum Lifestyle Intervention in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Newly Diagnosed Diabetes

Very few studies have assessed short-term and long-term cardiovascular effects of an early postpartum lifestyle intervention among women with gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes. The aim of the present study was to examine whether an early postpartum 9-month intensive lifestyle intervention can lead to weight loss and improve cardiovascular risk factors among women with both GDM and newly diagnosed diabetes, and also to investigate these effects in a long term. A total of 83 women who had GDM and were newly diagnosed as type 2 diabetes at 2.6 year after delivery participated in a 9-month intensive lifestyle intervention and a follow-up survey at 6-9 years post-intervention. A total of 68 women finished the 9-month lifestyle intervention and 39 women finished the 6-9 years post-intervention survey. During the first 9-month intervention, women lost their weight at 2.76 kg (-3.81% initial weight) , decreased their waist circumference (-2.88 cm) , body fat (-1.69%) , diastolic blood pressure (-3.49 mm Hg) , fasting glucose (-0.98 mmol/L) and HbA1c (-0.71%) . During the 6-9 years post intervention, women still lost weight (-3.49 kg; -5.14% initial weight) , decreased their waist circumference (-4.03 cm) , and body fat (-1.93%) , but slightly increased their HbA1c (0.26%) , total cholesterol (0.29 mmol/L) and triglycerides (0.17 mmol/L) . The prevalence of using glucose-lowering agents increased from 2.9% at baseline to 35.3% after the 9 month lifestyle intervention, and to 48.7% at 6-9 years post-intervention. An early postpartum 9-month intensive lifestyle intervention could have effects on weight loss, decreased HbA1c and other cardiovascular risk factors among women with GDM and newly diagnosed diabetes. The weight loss effect with a lifestyle intervention can persist for at least 6 years, however, HbA1c levels slightly increased in the long term. Disclosure G.Hu: None. J.Leng: None. H.Liu: None. L.Wang: None. S.Zhang: None. W.Li: None. W.Li: None. X.Yang: None. J.Tuomilehto: Stock/Shareholder; Orion Pharma. Funding This study is supported by the grant from European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) /Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) /Lilly program for Collaborative Research between China and Europe. Dr. Hu was partly supported by the grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK100790) and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U54GM104940) of the National Institutes of Health.

1183-P: Effects of an Early Postpartum Lifestyle Intervention on Long-Term Risk of Diabetes in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Few randomized controlled trials (RCT) that have thus far been published have not unequivocally found that early postpartum lifestyle intervention can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) . The aim of the present large-scale, long-term RCT was to assess whether an early postpartum lifestyle intervention can reduce or delay type 2 diabetes risk in women with prior GDM in the Tianjin Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Program in China. A total of 1180 women who were diagnosed with GDM from 20to 20were randomly assigned to either a 4-year lifestyle intervention (n = 586) or a control group (n = 594) . Major elements of the intervention included six face-to-face meetings with study dietitians in the first year, and two additional sessions and two telephone calls in each subsequent year. The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. During the trial, overweight women with GDM in the intervention group compared with the control group were more likely to lose weight. The incidence of diabetes was 0.87 and 1.46 per 100 person-years in the lifestyle intervention and control groups, respectively; the lifestyle intervention reduced the incidence by 45 percent (P = 0.023) . An early postpartum healthy lifestyle management markedly reduced the incidence of diabetes among women with prior GDM. Disclosure G.Hu: None. X.Yang: None. J.Tuomilehto: Stock/Shareholder; Orion Pharma. H.Liu: None. J.Leng: None. L.Wang: None. S.Zhang: None. W.Li: None. W.Li: None. L.Qi: None. Z.Yu: None. Funding This study is supported by the grant from European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) /Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) /Lilly program for Collaborative Research between China and Europe. Dr. Hu is partly supported by the grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK100790) and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U54GM104940) of the National Institutes of Health.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Women After Maternal Complications of Pregnancy: An Observational Cohort Analysis.

IntroductionCertain complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth restriction, spontaneous preterm birth, and placental abruption, are established independent risk factors for premature cardiovascular disease in women. Metabolic syndrome, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, may be a suitable alternative to traditional cardiovascular risk calculators that underestimate risk in young women. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women who experienced a complicated pregnancy 6 months earlier.MethodsThis observational study investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome as defined by the International Diabetes Federation in all eligible participants (n = 247) attending a postpartum lifestyle intervention clinic from August 2018 to June 2021 at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia.ResultsA total of 89 (36%) participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome at a mean follow up time of 7 months postpartum. Almost 90% of the cohort were abdominally obese, and over two thirds of the total cohort met at least two of the criteria for metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsWomen with a prior history of one of the common major pregnancy complications are at high risk of future cardiovascular and metabolic disease, with many showing either metabolic syndrome or multiple risk factors at only 7 months postpartum. The results indicate that follow-up within 1 year postpartum is an appropriate time to commence preventative strategies, as many women are already showing early signs of disease.

Primary Care-Based Cardiovascular Disease Risk Management After Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: a Narrative Review.

Several common adverse pregnancy outcomes can reveal subclinical or latent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, transiently exposed through the physiologic stress of pregnancy. The year after pregnancy may be a singular opportunity to identify and initiate treatment for CVD risk, even before the onset of traditional CVD risk factors. However, clinical guidance regarding CVD risk management after adverse pregnancy outcomes is lacking. We therefore conducted a systematic review of US clinical practice guidelines and professional society recommendations to inform primary care–based CVD risk management after adverse pregnancy outcomes. We identified 13 relevant publications. While most recommendations were based on limited or weak evidence, we identified several areas of consensus. First, individuals with an adverse pregnancy outcome associated with future CVD are likely to benefit from CVD risk assessment—accompanied by education, counseling, and support for lifestyle modification—beginning within the first postpartum year. Second, among clinicians, clear and consistent documentation about adverse pregnancy outcomes and recommended follow-up is important to coordinate care after pregnancy. In addition, patients need to be informed about their pregnancy complications and associated CVD risks, so that they can make informed health care and lifestyle decisions. Finally, in general, CVD prevention in the year after an adverse pregnancy outcome focuses on lifestyle modification, reserving pharmacotherapy for the highest-risk patients and those with traditional CVD risk factors. While postpartum lifestyle interventions show promise for reducing CVD risk after adverse pregnancy outcomes, continued research to determine the optimal content, timing, and long-term effects of such interventions is needed.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-021-07149-x.

Ambivalence and moral dilemmas in women's lived experiences of obesity and pregnancy: Qualitative insights for maternal lifestyle interventions.

Maternal obesity is a global health concern that is associated with significant effects on both short- and long-term health of both mother and child. However, maternal lifestyle interventions tend to focus solely on diet and physical activity in ways that disembody and disengage the social context in which women live their lives. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of maternal obesity and delve into how experiences of the body and motherhood affect women's motivation for participating in a postpartum lifestyle intervention. A qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews based on participant-generated photographs was used to allow the women to openly express their lived experiences of maternal obesity. The study emanated from a gynaecological department of a major Danish hospital, and five pregnant or postpartum women living with obesity participated. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach. The analysis identified an overall theme of ambivalence and four subthemes among the participating women. The themes reflected contrasting feelings where the obese body was simultaneously an arena for aesthetic failure, functional success and moral dilemmas. Experiences of weight stigma and moral accusations in healthcare settings further increased the women's sense of ambivalence and challenged their strong desire to lose weight. This study highlights an ambivalent and vulnerable situation of maternal obesity which makes moral sensitivity towards weight and body concerns crucial to consider in future maternal health interventions. Our data suggest that an emphasis on functionality and capability rather than aesthetics and measured ideals would be useful in providing care and support in postpartum lifestyle interventions for women living with obesity.

Reducing Postpartum Weight Retention: A Review of the Implementation Challenges of Postpartum Lifestyle Interventions.

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a strong predictor of obesity in later life with long term health consequences in women. Suboptimal lifestyle behaviours (e.g., diet and physical activity) contribute to PPWR. Postpartum lifestyle interventions are known to be efficacious in reducing PPWR; however, there are challenges to their successful implementation. To inform implementation, this narrative review provides an overview of the factors that contribute to PPWR, the efficacy of existing postpartum lifestyle interventions and key determinants of effective implementation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) across intervention characteristics, implementation process, individual characteristics and outer and inner setting. We then suggest strategies to improve the translation of evidence into large-scale interventions that deliver on health impact in postpartum women. We have identified gaps that need to be addressed to advance postpartum lifestyle research, including the involvement of postpartum women and community members as key stakeholders for optimal reach and engagement, more complete reporting of intervention characteristics to optimize translation of evidence into practice, capacity building of health professionals and guidelines for postpartum lifestyle management.

Factors Associated with Intended Postpartum OGTT Uptake and Willingness to Receive Preventive Behavior Support to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk Among Women with Gestational Diabetes in Singapore: An Exploratory Study.

Aim:To assess and explore the factors affecting willingness to undergo an early postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and receive postpartum lifestyle modification assistance.Methods:An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used. A prenatal cross-sectional survey questionnaire (n = 216) was given to women diagnosed with GDM in a tertiary health institution in Singapore and followed up with postpartum semi-structured interviews (n = 30). Multivariate logistic regression and thematic analysis were conducted before merging the findings.Results:Despite universal GDM education, fewer than 75% intended to take the OGTT postpartum, and only 63% felt it was very important. The plan to take the OGTT postpartum was positively associated with a prenatal care provider’s specific recommendation. In contrast, Malay women were less likely to take the test. Most women interpreted a care provider’s recommendation as implying standard practice, which encouraged intended and actual compliance with testing after giving birth. The perception of moderate to high T2DM risk in the following decade, and subsidized prenatal care, and plan to take the OGTT postpartum were positively associated with willingness to receive postpartum lifestyle behavior support. A mobile application was the preferred method to receive support.Conclusions:In the early postpartum period, women with a history of GDM were willing to receive measures to reduce T2DM risk, primarily if it was under the supervision and recommendation of a care provider. A carefully designed but simple postpartum lifestyle intervention incorporating these preferences that can be integrated into mainstream diabetes prevention programs is warranted.

Feasibility of a Lifestyle Intervention Program for Prevention of Diabetes Among Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (LIVING Study) in South Asia: A Formative Research Study.

Aim: To refine and contextually adapt a postpartum lifestyle intervention for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with women with current diagnosis of GDM, and health care professionals involved in their management, to understand relevant local contextual factors for intervention optimization and implementation. This paper describes facilitators and barriers as well as feedback from participants on how to improve the proposed intervention. These factors were grouped and interpreted along the axes of the three main determinants of behavior–capability, opportunity, and motivation. IDIs and FGDs were digitally recorded, transcribed, and translated. Data-driven inductive thematic analysis was undertaken to identify and analyze patterns and themes.Results: Two interrelated themes emerged from the IDIs and FGDs: (i) The lifestyle intervention was acceptable and considered to have the potential to improve the existing model of care for women with GDM; and (ii) Certain barriers such as reduced priority of self-care, and adverse societal influences postpartum need to be addressed for the improvement of GDM care. Based on the feedback, the intervention was optimized by including messages for family members in the content of the intervention, providing options for both text and voice messages as reminders, and finalizing the format of the intervention session delivery.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of contextual factors in influencing postpartum care and support for women diagnosed with GDM in three South Asian countries. It indicates that although provision of postpartum care is complex, a group lifestyle intervention program is highly acceptable to women with GDM, as well as to health care professionals, at urban hospitals.

Avoiding Diabetes After Pregnancy Trial In Moms (ADAPT- M): Evaluating Fitness In Postpartum Women Who Have Had Recent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 6% of women, and 20% develop type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by 10 years post delivery with higher rates in non-Caucasian ethnic groups. Early postpartum lifestyle interventions such as physical activity (PA) are recommended to improve health outcomes and reduce future T2DM. Despite benefits of PA, postpartum women report difficulty to engage and adhere to PA due to barriers such as childcare and poor support. Little is known about whether this high-risk group are achieving age-predicted fitness (APF) and meeting PA guidelines. PURPOSE: To describe cardiorespiratory fitness and PA levels in Caucasian and non-Caucasian women with recent GDM, and the association between fitness and PA measures. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recorded baseline data from a multi-ethnic cohort of women with recent GDM at 12 to 20 weeks postpartum, who were part of a health-coaching intervention called Avoiding Diabetes after Pregnancy Trial in Moms (ADAPT-M) between 2014 and 2017. Women underwent a graded exercise treadmill test, anthropometric measures, diastasis rectus screening and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Baseline characteristics were compared between Caucasian and non-Caucasian ethnicity using T-test, Chi square and Mann-Whitney U tests. The relationship between APF and PA guidelines was assessed with a Chi-Square test. RESULTS: We evaluated 149 participants at mean 16.5 + 4.3 weeks postpartum (mean age 36.7 + 4.6 years, 70.5% non-Caucasian), had a mean fitness of 9.7+1.9 metabolic equivalents (98 + 19.2 % APF), body fat 36.2 + 5.6%, BMI 29.7 + 6.8 kg/m2, and diastasis rectus was present in 20%. Of those, 52% were below APF while 84.5% were meeting PA guidelines (IPAQ). Non-Caucasian women were significantly less likely to meet PA guidelines (p=0.0002) and had lower PA levels (p<0.001). Overall, level of PA on the IPAQ did not correlate with APF (p <0.10). CONCLUSION: Postpartum women with recent GDM had average APF and 84.5% were meeting PA guidelines, although significantly lower levels were seen in non-Caucasian women. Level of PA on the IPAQ did not correlate with APF in this population. Postpartum diabetes prevention programs for women with recent GDM should optimize PA, particularly for higher-risk non-Caucasian ethnic groups.