Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, with physical activity-based interventions (such as walking, strength training and swimming) the most effective.
The global study, led by the UK, found that group delivery formats and newly trained facilitators achieved greater benefits.
The research also found that pregnant women from lower educational backgrounds benefited less, suggesting inequalities in reach and engagement, and a need for tailored approaches.
The study used data from more than 100 randomised trials involving nearly 36,000 pregnant women, mainly from high-income countries.
Senior author Shakila Thangaratinam said: ‘Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing worldwide… Our findings show these [lifestyle] interventions should be integrated into routine antenatal care so all women [and offspring] can benefit.’
Study The BMJ
Image | ISTOCK
