A mobile health intervention promoting healthy gestational weight gain for women entering pregnancy at a high body mass index: the txt4two pilot randomised controlled trial

Objective To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an mHealth intervention promoting healthy diet, physical activity and gestational weight gain in pregnant women. Design Randomised controlled trial (RCT). Setting Australian tertiary obstetric hospital. Population One hundred pregnant women who were overweight or obese prior to pregnancy. Methods Women recruited at the first antenatal clinic visit were randomised to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention consisted of a tailored suite of strategies delivered (from first antenatal visit until 36 weeks' gestation) via multiple modalities available on mobile devices. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was intervention feasibility and secondary outcomes were objectively measured changes in gestational weight gain (GWG) and self-reported dietary intake and physical activity. Results Ninety-one women completed the study. Delivery to protocol provides evidence of program feasibility. Most women engaged regularly with the program, with the majority (97.6%) reporting that the intervention was helpful. Secondary outcomes demonstrated a significantly lower GWG in the intervention group (7.8 kg 4.7 versus 9.7 kg 3.9; P =0.041) compared with the control group at intervention completion. Intervention group women reported significantly smaller reductions in total, light- and moderate-intensity physical activity from baseline to completion of the intervention (P = 0.001) compared with the control group, but no differences in consumption frequencies of key food groups. Conclusion An intervention that aimed to deliver healthy diet, physical activity and GWG guidance utilising innovative technology can be feasibly implemented and produce positive physical activity and GWG outcomes.