Community Expecting: prenatal exercise program for pregnant people with obesity
Official title: Community Expecting: Exercise During Pregnancy for Sedentary Women With Obesity
Run by Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute · NCT07343700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try group-based, trainer-led workouts three times weekly (two live, one allowed recorded) to help pregnant people with BMI 30+ at 11–16 weeks gestation who are not meeting activity guidelines become more active and support healthier pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 228 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | January 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07343700 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant people aged 18 or older with BMI ≥30, between 11 and 16 weeks gestation, English-speaking, not currently meeting 150 minutes/week of moderate physical activity, and without medical contraindications to exercise are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with exercise contraindications (e.g., preeclampsia, placenta previa, multiple gestation), those using recreational drugs, tobacco, or alcohol during pregnancy, non-English speakers, those outside the 11–16 week window, or those already meeting activity guidelines are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants exercise in small groups led by certified personal trainers who completed a study-specific certification and follow a standardized protocol. Workouts progress to 45 minutes within six weeks and emphasize body-weight exercises with provided resistance bands, with the option to use a secure online platform (Docebo) for one weekly recorded or remote session. The program includes postpartum support and an incentive schedule designed to promote scalability and sustainability in community settings. The study focuses on implementing and describing delivery methods so community organizations can reproduce effective prenatal fitness programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help participants gain a healthy amount of weight, lower the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, reduce stress and postpartum depression symptoms, and improve baby outcomes like lower risk of preterm birth and childhood obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Prior clinical research shows prenatal exercise benefits mothers and babies, but few programs have been tested or described in real-world community settings, so this implementation approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Having a BMI ≥ 30 * Not currently meeting guidelines for 150 min of moderate physical activity per week. * All children born to mother participants will be included and eligible. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking individuals. * Contraindications for exercise (preeclampsia-eclampsia, premature rupture of the membranes, antepartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, or multiple gestation),) as determined by the investigators to affect the outcomes of interest * Using recreational drugs, tobacco, or alcohol during their pregnancy. * \< 11 or \> 16 weeks gestation
Where it's running
-
Arkansas Children's Research Institute
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Taren Swindle — University of Arkansas
- Study coordinator: Taren Swindle
- Email: tswindle@uams.edu
- Phone: 18702360997
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.