In 2018, a U.S. clinic enrolled 30 overweight pregnant women (with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) in a health coach intervention trial. The clinic connected each participant with a health coach that would help them adopt healthy lifestyles and address appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. The participants completed a baseline survey at the beginning. Coaches then contacted participants every 2-3 weeks by phone and also sent text messages and emails between phone calls. At the end of the program (at 36 weeks gestation), participants completed a follow-up survey and a follow-up phone interview.
The results of the study showed participants felt motivated by their health coaches. Many of the women also found the phone calls helpful when facing problems and finding solutions to them.
This study highlights the importance of having support during pregnancy. Although it was a small study, the results were significant and encouraging. Health coaches can be another resource for pregnant women.
Reference
Seward, M. W., Simon, D., Richardson, M., Oken, E., Gillman, M. W., & Hivert, M. F. (2018). Supporting healthful lifestyles during pregnancy: a health coach intervention pilot study. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 18(1), 375. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-2010-z