Exercise and Health Coaching for Pregnancy

Here’s a winning option for working remotely with pregnant clients. New research shows that combining regular health coaching with an activity tracker can help women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy increase daily steps and time spent walking while also reducing sitting time. And that all comes with high adherence levels and satisfaction.

University of Iowa researchers in Iowa City conducted the study to evaluate the effectiveness of a remotely delivered health coaching intervention for pregnant women as a strategy to reduce pregnancy complications.

The women enrolled in the program during the first 8–12 weeks of pregnancy and continued through their second and third trimesters. Participants each received a Fitbit Inspire wrist monitor, a Healthie mobile app and 12 virtual sessions with a health coach with whom they initially met weekly, then bimonthly, and then monthly. Coaches discussed step data, set goals, evaluated progress and revised goals. The first coaching session was 30–45 minutes; later sessions were 15–30 minutes long.

Data analysis showed high satisfaction, 97% retention and 99% program adherence. Women significantly increased steps and reduced daily sitting time. Study authors recommend more research, including a randomized, controlled trial to further assess this method’s value to improve physical activity among pregnant women.

The research is available in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2022; 22 [740]).

See also: Pregnant Exercisers Can Improve Aerobic Fitness