Effect of caring intervention on preeclampsia in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Context: There are many studies on the health effects of dietary advice and physical activity in pregnancy, with only a few describing the effects of the simultaneous use of a combined intervention on preeclampsia in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aims: This study was designed to examine the effects of motivational interviews, dietary advice, and physical activity on the incidence and symptoms of preeclampsia in pregnant women with MetS. Setting and Design: This randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial was performed in two hospitals in Babol, Iran, in 2018. Materials and Methods: The participants included 120 pregnant women with a gestational age of 15–20 weeks with the diagnosis of MetS. The patients were block randomization allocated to two groups of 60 mothers. From the 20th week of pregnancy edema, blood pressure, proteinuria, and preeclampsia were evaluated and compared between the two groups. The intervention group had one motivational interview, two consultation sessions, and three training sessions for physical activity. The tools used for data collection included demographic fertility characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and a biochemical pregnancy outcomes checklist. Statistical Analyses Used: The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA and logistic regression. Results: The intervention group showed a significant decrease in edema (20.4% and 47.3%), proteinuria (5.6% and 30.9%), BP ≥140/90 mmHg (3.7% and 14.5%), and preeclampsia (1.9% and 12%) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Dietary recommendations and physical activity by pregnant women with MetS in prenatal care can be safe and practical interventions to avoid preeclampsia.