Sit Less, Move More for Inactivity During Pregnancy

(SLMM Trial)

This trial explores ways to help pregnant women reduce sitting time and increase movement. The goal is to determine if being less sedentary can improve mental health, manage weight gain, and decrease risks such as high blood pressure and preterm birth. Participants will receive health coaching and use a Fitbit to track activity, aiming for more exercise with a partner. The "Sit Less, Move More" trial is suitable for English-speaking women who are 8 to 12 weeks pregnant with one baby, currently sitting too much, and not exercising enough. Participants need a smartphone for Fitbit use and receiving coaching messages. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how lifestyle changes can benefit pregnant women.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that being less sedentary and more active during pregnancy can reduce risks such as high blood pressure and other complications. Physical activity benefits both mothers and their unborn babies by lowering the chances of preterm birth (babies born before 37 weeks) and improving mental health.

Studies have also found that programs designed to help pregnant women sit less and move more are feasible and well-received. These programs encourage increased activity, which is both safe and beneficial.

Researchers are excited about the "Sit Less, Move More" (SLMM) program because it introduces a dynamic approach to reducing inactivity during pregnancy. Unlike standard advice to simply exercise more, this program combines personalized health coaching, regular text message reminders, and the use of a Fitbit to track and disrupt sedentary time. The emphasis on exercising with a partner most days of the week aligns with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' recommended physical activity, making it a comprehensive lifestyle intervention rather than just another exercise routine. This holistic approach aims to motivate consistent movement and self-regulation, potentially offering a more engaging and effective way to improve health outcomes during pregnancy.

Research has shown that being less sedentary (sitting or lying down) during pregnancy can lead to better health. Studies have found that excessive sitting while pregnant links to a higher chance of early birth and babies needing special care in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Being active, such as moving more and sitting less, can boost mental health and lower the risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure. It can also reduce the risk of having a baby before 37 weeks. Overall, staying active during pregnancy benefits both the mother and the baby. Participants in this trial will engage in the "Sit Less, Move More" (SLMM) program, which includes health coaching sessions, text messages, and Fitbit monitoring to encourage physical activity.¹²⁵⁶⁷