Community Expecting: prenatal exercise program for pregnant people with obesity
Community Expecting: Exercise During Pregnancy for Sedentary Women With Obesity
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 228 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07343700 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Little Rock, Arkansas
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.