Community Expecting Group Exercise Program for Pregnant Women with Obesity Supporting Safe Physical Activity in Pregnancy

What this Trial Is About

Regular physical activity during pregnancy offers many health benefits to both mothers and their babies, including healthier weight gain, reduced risks of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, and lower stress and postpartum depression symptoms. Babies may also have lower risks of preterm birth, unhealthy birth size, and childhood obesity. However, few exercise programs for pregnant women have been tested in community settings to see how well they work and can be delivered practically. The COMMUNITY EXPECTING program adapts a proven exercise plan called EXPECTING for use in community settings led by certified personal trainers. Women in the exercise group work out three times a week, progressing to 45 minutes per session within the first six weeks, focusing mainly on bodyweight exercises with resistance bands. They attend at least two live group sessions weekly and may use recorded workouts for one session. The program includes aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching, all designed for moderate intensity. After delivery and medical clearance, mothers can continue the program for up to 12 months with postpartum support. Participants complete weekly workouts and surveys to track attendance, heart rate, and exertion. Trainers receive special training and are monitored to ensure consistent delivery. The study compares this exercise program to usual prenatal care and measures physical activity through weekly step logs throughout pregnancy. Additional assessments include maternal health, depression symptoms, and trainer fidelity. Participants may be involved for up to 18 months if they continue postpartum support, helping researchers understand the programs effectiveness and practicality in real-world community settings.

Community Expecting: Exercise During Pregnancy