Table 1 BHIP study arms
Component | Control arm Usual care 12–17 to 36–38 weeks of gestation | Intervention arm Nutrition + Exercise intervention 12–17 to 36–38 weeks of gestation |
|---|---|---|
Gestational weight gain (GWG) | Latest recommendation by Health Canada in terms of GWG [17] and the Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator [44] | Latest recommendation by Health Canada in terms of GWG [17] |
Nutrition during pregnancy | Latest recommendation by Health Canada in terms of nutrition during pregnancy [74] and Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide [46] | Latest recommendation by Health Canada in terms of nutrition during pregnancy [74] Nutrition component of the intervention |
1. Individualized nutrition plan with a high protein content: ~ 25% of energy intake which is within the acceptable macronutrient distribution range a. Individualized to each mother’s estimated energy requirement and calculated using the equation derived in the Dietary Reference Intake report for women [43] with energy intakes adjusted as recommended in the second and third trimesters [74] b. Provided by dairy foods: 4–5 servings of dairy food/d: fresh low-fat white milk and/or cottage cheese and/or low-fat Greek yogurt, as implemented in our previous study [38] | ||
Exercise during pregnancy | Latest recommendation by Health Canada in terms of exercise during pregnancy [75] | Latest recommendation by Health Canada in terms of exercise during pregnancy [75] Exercise component of the intervention |
1. Controlled walking program with the study nutritionist a. 25 min per session, 3–4 times per week, while increasing the time by 2 min/week to a maximum of 40 min maintained until delivery [39] 2. 10,000 steps per day a. Daily step counts and any other exercise tracked using a pedometer every day and an exercise log. Also used as a motivator and self-monitoring device which will also help improve compliance [39] | ||
Wellbeing during pregnancy | Nested qualitative study | |
1. Focus group and information session given by a midwife in the third trimester of pregnancy a. Discussion on topics such as pain relief options during labor and breastfeeding techniques |