Postpartum Lifestyle Research Articles

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.

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.

Maternal Mental Health, COVID-19-Related Distress, and Disruptions in Lifestyle Behaviors Among Postpartum Mothers With a Previous Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy.

Many perinatal people experienced pandemic-related distress and changes in health behaviors at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but less is known about how the pandemic continued to impact their health. The authors of this study examined the influence of pandemic-related distress and maternal mental health on postpartum lifestyle behaviors of mothers with a previous hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Between September 2021 and March 2022, 82 postpartum (19.2 ± 5.5 months) mothers with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy completed measures of pandemic-related distress and pandemic-related disruption in lifestyle behaviors from the Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences Impact Survey. A Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 10 and a score ≥ 3 on the Breslau scale indicated significant depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, respectively. Twenty-two (27.2%) and 30 (36.6%) participants had significant depressive or PTSD symptoms, respectively. In models adjusted for education, income, parity, delivery prepandemic or peripandemic, intervention group, and prepregnancy mental health history, both PTSD symptoms (B = 0.229, P = .029) and pandemic-related distress (B = 0.492, P < .001) associated with greater disruption in health behaviors. Depressive symptoms did not associate with greater disruption in health behaviors (B = 0.169, P = .135). Monitoring PTSD symptoms may be vital in supporting mothers with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in making lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease.

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.

The development of an IT-based intervention to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle through behavioral change.

Background: Pregnancy and the postpartum period are difficult times with increased risks of weight gain and weight retention. This study aims to provide new insights into developing and designing information an communication technology interventions to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle through behavioral changes.Methods: A participatory design approach, combined with the behavior change wheel, was applied. The intervention was based on outcomes from co-creation with postpartum parents, healthcare professionals, IT consultants, and researchers.Results: An intervention was developed that reflects users' requests and needs to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle through behavioral change. The intervention includes podcasts, video exercises, weight tracking, and weekly push notifications.Conclusion: Developing an intervention to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle is feasible using both a participatory design and the behavior change wheel.

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.

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.

Incorporating Aboriginal women\u2019s voices in improving care and reducing risk for women with diabetes in pregnancy - A phenomenological study

BackgroundThere is a high burden of gestational diabetes (GDM) and type 2 diabetes in pregnancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Postpartum diabetes programs have the potential to prevent recurrent GDM and improve management of type 2 diabetes. However, data on such programs are limited, particularly in the Indigenous context. We aimed to explore Aboriginal Australian women’s and health providers’ preferences for a program to prevent and improve diabetes after pregnancy.MethodsA phenomenological methodology underpinned semi-structured in-depth interviews with eleven Aboriginal women and seven health professionals across the Northern Territory from October 2019- February 2020. Interviews were analysed using an inductive analysis framework to address the barriers and enablers of proposed diabetes prevention programs identified by participants.ResultsIdentified structural barriers to lifestyle change included: food insecurity, persuasive marketing of unhealthy food options, lack of facilities and cultural inappropriateness of previous programs. Enablers to lifestyle change included: a strong link between a healthy lifestyle and connection with Country, family and community. Suggested strategies to improve lifestyle included: co-designed cooking classes or a community kitchen, team sports and structural change (targeting the social determinants of health). Lifestyle change was preferred over metformin to prevent and manage diabetes after pregnancy by participants and health care providers.ConclusionsWe recommend individual level programs be designed alongside policies that address systemic inequalities. A postpartum lifestyle program should be co-designed with community members and grounded in Aboriginal conceptions of health to adequality address the health disparities experienced by Aboriginal people in remote communities.

Postpartum dietary and physical activity-related beliefs and behaviors among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study from Singapore

BackgroundA woman with a history of GDM has at least seven-fold increased lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared to women who have normoglycemic pregnancies. Postpartum lifestyle modification has been shown to reduce postpartum weight retention and prevent the progression to T2DM. The aim of this study was to explore the postpartum dietary and physical activity-related beliefs and behaviors among women in Singapore who had GDM in their most recent pregnancies.MethodsSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women, who were up to four months postpartum and had GDM in their most recent pregnancies. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were identified in the analysis: (1) risk perception and knowledge regarding future diabetes, (2) suboptimal diet and physical activity after delivery and (3) factors influencing the postpartum lifestyle.ConclusionsThe study findings provided useful information on the postpartum lifestyle beliefs and behaviors among women with a history of GDM. Most participants had low risk perception of future diabetes and their diet and physical activity after delivery were suboptimal due to various influences. These insights can be used to design tailored materials and programs to support women who have had GDM reduce their risk of developing future T2DM.

Facilitators and barriers to behaviour change within a lifestyle program for women with obesity to prevent excess gestational weight gain: a mixed methods evaluation

BackgroundMaternal obesity is associated with health risks for women and their babies and is exacerbated by excess gestational weight gain. The aim of this study was to describe women’s experiences and perspectives in attending a Healthy Pregnancy Service designed to optimise healthy lifestyle and support recommended gestational weight gain for women with obesity.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed methods study design utilised two questionnaires (completed in early and late pregnancy) to quantify feelings, motivation and satisfaction with the service, followed by semi-structured interviews that explored barriers and enablers of behaviour change. Data were analysed separately and then interpreted together.ResultsOverall, 49 women attending the service completed either questionnaire 1, 2 or both and were included in the analysis. Fourteen women were interviewed. Prior to pregnancy, many women had gained weight and attempted to lose weight independently, and reported they were highly motivated to achieve a healthy lifestyle. During pregnancy, diet changes were reported as easier to make and sustain than exercise changes. Satisfaction with the service was high. Key factors identified in qualitative analysis were: service support enabled change; motivation to change behaviour, social support, barriers to making change (intrinsic, extrinsic and clinic-related), post-partum lifestyle and needs. On integration of data, qualitative and quantitative findings aligned.ConclusionsThe Healthy Pregnancy service was valued by women. Barriers and enablers to the delivery of an integrated model of maternity care that supported healthy lifestyle and recommended gestational weight gain were identified. These findings have informed and improved implementation and further scale up of this successful service model, integrating healthy lifestyle into routine antenatal care of women with obesity.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no.12620000985987). Registration date 30/09/2020, retrospectively registered. http://www.anzctr.org.au/

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.

The INTER-ACT E-Health Supported Lifestyle Intervention Improves Postpartum Food Intake and Eating Behavior, but Not Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Unhealthy postpartum lifestyle is related to long-term adverse psychological, metabolic and cardiovascular health outcomes as well as to complications in the next pregnancy. Especially women with preceding excessive gestational weight gain are at risk. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of the postpartum phase of the INTER-ACT randomized controlled trial (RCT) on food intake, eating behavior, physical activity and sedentary time at the end of the intervention (six months postpartum) and at six-months follow-up (12 months postpartum). The study population comprised women with excessive gestational weight gain in the preceding pregnancy. The lifestyle intervention combined a smartphone application with four face-to-face coaching sessions between six weeks and six months postpartum. After the intervention, restrained eating score was 1 point higher (95% CI 0.5, 1.5; p < 0.001), uncontrolled eating score was 1 point lower (95% CI −1.9, −0.2; p = 0.02) and energy intake was 69 kcal lower (95% CI −123, −15; p = 0.01) in the intervention group compared to the control group. The differences were no longer statistically significant at follow-up. No significant effects on emotional eating, physical activity and sedentary behavior were found. In conclusion, the postpartum phase of the INTER-ACT RCT was effective in improving nutrition-related outcomes, however, these improvements could not be sustained at follow-up. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02989142.

Barriers to a healthy postpartum lifestyle and the possibilities of an information technology-based intervention: A qualitative study

Being overweight or obese is associated with higher risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including gestational diabetes and childhood obesity. Many women exceed the gestational weight gain recommendations. Thus, it is important to focus on the women's lifestyle between their pregnancies to lower the risk of weight retention before the next pregnancy as well as in a life course perspective. The objective of this study was to explore barriers postpartum women experience with respect to a healthy lifestyle during the postpartum period, and to assess whether an IT-based intervention might be a supportive tool to assist and motivate postpartum women to healthy lifestyle. A systematic text condensation was applied to semi-structured focus groups. Five focus group interviews were carried out with a total of 17 postpartum women and two interviews with a total of six health professionals. Participants were recruited through the municipality in Svendborg, Denmark, and at Odense University Hospital in Odense, Denmark, during a four-month period in early 2018. The results were analysed within the frame of the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour model (COM-B). From the women's perspective, better assistance is needed from the health professionals to obtain or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The women need tools that inform and help them understand and prioritize own health related risks, and to motivate them to plan and take care of their own health. There is room for engaging the partner more in the communication related to the baby and family's lifestyle. Lastly, the women already use audiobooks and podcasts to obtain information. Postpartum women need tools that inform and motivate for a healthy lifestyle postpartum. The tools should allow access to high quality information from health care professionals when the information is needed and also allow engagement from the partner. An IT-based intervention could be a way to support and motivate postpartum women for a healthy lifestyle.

Barriers and facilitators to a healthy lifestyle in postpartum women: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies in postpartum women and healthcare providers.

A healthy postpartum lifestyle is vital for the promotion of optimal maternal health, return to pre-pregnancy weight and prevention of postpartum weight retention, but barriers exist. We performed a systematic review that aimed to describe the barriers and facilitators to a healthy lifestyle in the first 2 years postpartum from the perspectives of women and healthcare providers. Databases were searched for eligible studies published up to 26 August 2019. Following thematic analysis, identified themes were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model. We included 28 qualitative and quantitative studies after screening 15,643 citations and 246 full texts. We identified barriers and facilitators relating to capability (e.g., lack of knowledge regarding benefits of lifestyle behaviours; limitations in healthcare providers' skills in providing lifestyle support), opportunity (e.g., social support from partners, family, friends and healthcare providers; childcare needs) and motivation (e.g., identifying benefits of exercise and perception of personal health; enjoyment of the activity or food). We suggest intervention components to include in lifestyle interventions for postpartum women based on the identified themes. Our findings provide evidence to inform the development of interventions to support postpartum women in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.