Effect of Motivational Interviewing, Dietary Advice, and Physical Activity on Fetal-Neonatal Outcome in Pregnant Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and purpose: There are many studies on the health effects of dietary advice and physical activity in pregnancy while only a few reported the effects of simultaneous administration of motivational interviewing, dietary advice, and physical activity on neonatal outcome in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was designed to examine the effects of these interventions on fetal-neonatal outcome in pregnant women with MetS. Materials and methods: A randomized, single‑blind, controlled clinical trial was performed in 120 pregnant women with metabolic syndrome at 15- 20 weeks of gestation in two hospitals in Babol, north of Iran, 2018. The participants were allocated into two groups (n= 60 per group) using blocking randomization and were followed up until the end of pregnancy. Fetal-neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups from week 32 of pregnancy. The interventional program included one motivational interview, two nutrition consultation sessions, and three sessions of physical activity (per week). The control group received routine care. Demographic and fertility characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Data analysis was done applying independent t test, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was found to be significantly lower in intervention group (3.7%) compared with the control group (14.5%) at the end of the pregnancy (P=0.01). Conclusion: Dietary recommendations, motivational interviewing, and physical activity in pregnant women with MetS during prenatal care can be used as safe and practical interventions to prevent respiratory distress syndrome. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2017042333070N1)