title: The Maternal Obesity Management (MOM) Trial Protocol: a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy to minimize downstream obesity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Maternal obesity and/or high gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with downstream child obesity. Pregnancy represents a critical period for prevention as women are highly motivated and more receptive to behavior change.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study was developed to test the feasibility of intervening with the mother, specifically keeping her GWG within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) limits, with the intended target of preventing obesity in her child downstream. We are testing the practicality of delivering a structured physical activity and nutrition intervention to pregnant women during gestation and then following mom and baby to 24 months of age.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a two-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled trial being conducted in Ottawa. Pregnant women, with pregravid BMI >18.5, between 12 and 20 weeks gestation are randomized to one of two groups: intervention (n=30) who receive the MOM trial Handbook (guide to healthy gestation) plus a structured physical activity and nutrition program, or a standard clinical care control group (n=30). The intervention lasts 25-28 weeks (6 months) depending on anticipated delivery date, with follow-up assessment on mother and child at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-delivery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pregnancy, a critical time of growth, development and physiological change, provides an opportunity for early lifestyle intervention. The goal of identifying an effective lifestyle program for the gestational period that leads to healthy fetal development and subsequently normal weight offspring, less likely to develop obesity and its co-morbidities, is unique and could possibly attenuate the inter-generational cycle of obesity.
authors: Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada. kadamo@cheo.on.ca
authors: Kristi B
authors: KB
authors: Adamo
authors: Zachary M
authors: ZM
authors: Ferraro
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Goldfield
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Keely
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Stacey
authors: Stasia
authors: S
authors: Hadjiyannakis
authors: Sonia
authors: S
authors: Jean-Philippe
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Walker
authors: Nicholas J
authors: NJ
authors: Barrowman
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008019:Life Style; D009765:Obesity / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*