A randomized lifestyle intervention preventing gestational diabetes: effects on self-rated health from pregnancy to postpartum

The Effect of Physical and Mental Health and Health Behavior on the Self-Rated Health of Pregnant Women

Self-rated health (SRH) is an evaluation tool to assess an individual's level of health, including both general health and personal experience. There have been existing studies on women's SRH; however, few studies have been on pregnant women's SRH and its associated factors. This study investigated the SRH of pregnant women and their factors using the Korea Community Health Survey. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate the effects of demographic, physical, and mental health and health behaviors on the SRH of pregnant women. As a result of the study, 54.0% out of 1032 pregnant women had good SRH. Their SRH score was good when they were young, economically active, and living in cities. Poor SRH was observed with depression, hypertension, and after experiencing a fall. Good SRH was found when they exercised and slept for more than 8 h a day. This study is the first to observe the SRH of pregnant women and its related factors in South Korea.

Women's well-being and functioning after evidence-based antenatal care: a protocol for a systematic review of intervention studies

INTRODUCTION

The 2016 WHO antenatal guidelines propose evidence-based recommendations to improve maternal outcomes. We aim to complement these recommendations by describing and estimating the effects of the interventions recommended by WHO on maternal well-being or functioning.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a systematic review of experimental and quasi-experimental studies evaluating women's well-being or functioning following the implementation of evidence-based antenatal interventions, published in peer-reviewed journals through a 15-year interval (2005-2020). The lead reviewer will screen all records identified at MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, LILACS and SciELO. Two other reviewers will control screening strategy quality. Quality and risk of bias will be assessed using a specially designed instrument. Data synthesis will consider the instruments applied, how often they were used, conditions/interventions for positive or negative effects documented, statistical measures used to document effectiveness and how results were presented. A random-effects meta-analysis comparing frequently used instruments may be conducted.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study will be a systematic review with no human beings' involvement, therefore not requiring ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and scientific events.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019143436.

Indications to Promote Physical Activity during Pregnancy

Reduced physical activity in pregnancy is often associated with a progressive increase of chronic metabolic disease and to an enhanced risk for the child. The majority of women are less physically active during pregnancy, despite the motivation to improve their health, quality of life, and fitness. Education on the benefits of regular physical activity in pregnancy is determinant as suggested by obstetricians and gynecologists. The specific programs need to be supported by specialists in Sports Medicine. Counseling and support by nurses can also be helpful in encouraging women to maintain a sufficient level of physical activity during pregnancy or to modify their lifestyle, adapting the single models and specific physical activity programs to their needs.