Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

The goal of this feasibility randomized controlled trial is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and demand, as well as preliminary effects of an evidence-based Intuitive Eating (IE) intervention among pregnant women who have obesity. The main research questions are: RQ1: What is the feasibility (acceptability and demand) of implementing an Intuitive Eating Intervention among pregnant and postpartum women? RQ2: How does participation in the Pregnancy Intuitive Eating Intervention (PIE-I) impact key maternal health outcomes (i.e., gestational weight gain, intuitive eating behaviors, dietary quality, body image, and mental health) compared to a wait-list control? Researchers will compare the Pregnancy Intuitive Eating Intervention (PIE-I) intervention group with the wait-list control to see what impact the PIE-I has on maternal well-being. Participants randomized to the intervention group will complete the 8 week asynchronous IE intervention and have an opportunity to interview at the end of the study.

This study aims to identify which of the following factors-physical activity level, nutritional status, or pregnancy-related anxiety-has the strongest influence on excessive gestational weight gain. Pregnant women in their third trimester who are being followed at Gebze Fatih State Hospital and meet the inclusion criteria will be referred to the Exercise Therapy Laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University. After being informed about the study and providing written informed consent, participants will undergo a face-to-face assessment. Data will be collected prospectively using a demographic information form, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a nutritional status assessment form, and a pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire.