Randomized controlled trial to prevent excessive weight gain in pregnant women

BACKGROUND: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that normal-weight women (BMI (body mass index) of 19.8-26.0) gain 25-35 lb (11.4-15.9 kg) during pregnancy, and that overweight women (BMI of 26.1-29.0) gain 15-25 lbs (6.8-11.4 kg). A significant number of normal-weight women and an even greater proportion of overweight women exceed these guidelines, which increases postpartum weight retention and may contribute to the development of obesity. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a stepped care, behavioral intervention will decrease the percentage of women who gain more than the IOM recommendation. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial comparing a stepped-care behavioral intervention with usual care. Women (n=120) who had a BMI>19.8, age>18 and