Investigating the Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Yoga on Excessive Gestational Weight Gain
Condition: Weight Gain
MeSH terms: Body Weight; Weight Gain; Gestational Weight Gain
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study will test the feasibility (i.e., acceptability, demand) of a 12-week prenatal yoga
      intervention on excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnant women in the second
      trimester (enrolled at 12-24 weeks). Participants will be randomized into the prenatal yoga
      intervention or a pregnancy education (e.g., information on preparing for motherhood, labor
      and delivery etc.) control group. Participants in both groups will be asked to attend one 75
      minute class per week.

      The investigators hypothesize that prenatal yoga intervention will be feasible for pregnant
      women.

      The study aims are as follows:

      Primary Aim: Determine the feasibility (i.e., acceptability, demand) of a 12-week prenatal
      yoga intervention in pregnant women. In a randomized controlled pilot study comparing
      prenatal yoga to a pregnancy education control condition, the investigators will assess 1)
      acceptability (defined as satisfaction, intent to continue use, perceived appropriateness)
      and 2) demand (defined as attendance/adherence).

      Exploratory Aim 1: Ascertain the preliminary effects of prenatal yoga on excessive GWG [i.e.,
      weight gain exceeding Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations]. The investigators will
      compare weight change between intervention and control groups.

      Exploratory Aim 2: Explore the potential mediators (i.e., mindfulness, self-regulation) on
      the effect of prenatal yoga on excessive GWG.
    


Intervention name(s): Prenatal yoga; Pregnancy education
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): The prenatal yoga classes will be offered at Urban Wellness (2024 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006). Classes will be offered Tuesdays's from 4:15-5:30 pm and Saturday's from 9:00-10:15 am. Participants will be able to attend both classes if they so choose but are only asked to attend 1/week. Participants will be asked to arrive to class at least 10 minutes early in order for the research team to collect their weight in a private room. Additionally, if participants have attended at least 70% of classes (1 per week for 8/12 weeks), participants will be able to attend sessions up until birth (beyond the 12-week intervention) if they so choose. If participants decide to attend classes beyond the 12-week intervention the investigators will continue to collect their weight at each session.; Pregnancy education classes will be offered at the Arizona Biomedical Collaborative Building on ASU Phoenix Campus. Classes will be offered on Tuesday's from 5:30-6:45 pm and Saturday's from 9:00-10:15 am. Participants will be able to attend both classes if they so choose but are only asked to attend 1/week. Participants will be asked to arrive to class at least 10 minutes early in order for the research team to collect their weight in a private room. Additionally, if participants have attended at least 70% of classes (1 per week for 8/12 weeks), participants will be able to attend sessions up until birth (beyond the 12-week intervention) if they so choose. If participants decide to attend classes beyond the 12-week intervention the investigators will continue to collect their weight at each session.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: pregnancy; prenatal yoga; excessive gestational weight gain