Walking in Pregnancy (WiP) - a Social Networking Physical Activity Intervention for Pregnant Obese Women

Overweight (defined as BMI ≥25kg/m2) and obesity (defined as BMI ≥30kg/m2) during pregnancy is becoming more common. Approximately 25-30% of women of childbearing age are obese and around 50% are overweight at the time of conception. Women who are either overweight or obese have a much higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. For example, they are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, Caesarean section and other complications. Recent research suggests that overweight and obese pregnant women are less active than normal weight ( BMI≤ 25kg/m2) pregnant women and also that the level of physical activity decreases throughout pregnancy. The evidence also suggests that maintaining a good level of physical activity can reduce the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A large study which looked at the most preferred types of physical activity identified that walking and swimming were the most preferred types of physical activity by pregnant women. Although there is an association between walking at a brisk pace and a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, there is no definitive conclusion on the effectiveness of walking interventions. The investigators are proposing this feasibility study in order to find out whether a walking intervention can be implemented during pregnancy in the obese population to reduce adverse pregnancy health outcomes. The current study will investigate whether a Fitibit Pedometer and a Social networking Site (Facebook) can be used to encourage pregnant, obese women to increase and maintain activity during pregnancy. The feasibility study will test the recruitment strategy, acceptability of the intervention design, randomisation acceptability, and timing of the intervention. Participants from both the control and the intervention will be purposefully selected to take part in focus group following the intervention in order to give feedback on the study. The investigators will be working with an Obstetrics & Gynaecology consultant at Jessop Wing, Hallamshire Hospital to help with the recruitment process and provide clinical advice. Women who are obese (BMI>30kg/m2) in their early pregnancy (12-14 weeks) will be recruited. Participants that consent to take part in the study will be given a Fitbit pedometer and enrolled in a closed Facebook group. Each participant will wear a Fitbit for a week in order to measure their baseline physical activity level. Thereafter, the participants in the intervention will be asked to gradually increase their physical activity level (they will be given a weekly step target)for 4 weeks in total. The Facebook component of the intervention will contain motivational and educational posts and rewarding messages about their progress. The control group will be asked to wear a Fitbit for 5 weeks and do their usual activities in total with a covered screen so as to not see the step count