Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. Michelle Mottola

Abstract

One purpose was to identify the need for specialized care (My Clinic) for women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 35 kg/m2.. Women receiving My Clinic care were compared to a matched cohort control group (perinatal database, N=47). My Clinic care significantly reduced rates of macrosomia (5% vs 28%, p=0.02) and small birth weight babies (0% vs 6%, p=0.00) compared to perinatal database.

The second purpose was to test the efficacy of a Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP) in this clinical setting to prevent excessive weight gain, macrosmia, small birth weight babies and pregnancy complications. Twelve women with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 were randomized between 12-20 weeks of pregnancy to Nutrition-only, Exercise-only, or full NELIP. Exercise-only intervention reduced rate of weight gain (0.15 ± 0.13 kg/week vs 0.61 ± 0.12 kg/week, p=0.01) compared to Nutrition-only. Combining a nutrition and exercise intervention appeared difficult for this population, as 100% of the women randomized to full NELIP did not complete the program.

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