eHealth intervention may lower gestational fat mass gain

A pragmatic multicomponent eHealth intervention during pregnancy appears to reduce gestational fat mass gain, particularly among women with normal weight and those who exceed gestational weight gain (GWG) guidelines, reports a study. This may have potential impacts on neonatal health outcomes.

A total of 351 pregnant women enrolled in Louisiana's Women, Infants, and Children program were randomized to a multicomponent eHealth intervention (n=172) or usual care (n=179). The researchers assessed fat percentage, fat mass, and fat-free mass using bioelectrical impedance at trimester-specific study visits.

Moreover, mixed models were used to evaluate within- and between-group differences in body composition from early to late pregnancy: overall, by BMI, and by GWG guideline attainment. The research team also examined the effects of body composition changes on perinatal outcomes.

Compared with usual care, the eHealth intervention resulted in attenuated gains in fat mass, fat mass index, and fat percentage from early to late pregnancy overall in women who had normal weight at enrollment and in those who exceeded GWG guidelines (p<0.05).

Fat-free mass did not significantly differ between the two groups. Furthermore, fat mass change showed an interaction with intervention effects on neonatal health outcomes (p=0.01).

“Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy may attenuate gestational fat mass gain, particularly among women with normal weight and those who exceed GWG guidelines, with potential implications for neonatal health outcomes,” the researchers said.