Preconception Lifestyle Interventions to Improve Future Metabolic Health (Before the Beginning)

Before the Beginning: Preconception Lifestyle Interventions to Improve Future Metabolic Health

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the combination of high intensity exercise and time restricted eating before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy.

Women who are planning a pregnancy will be recruited into a parallel groups randomised controlled trial where the intervention will consist of high intensity training and time-restricted eating. The intervention will continue throughout pregnancy. The investigators will assess whether this lifestyle intervention can effect maternal and offspring cardiometabolic health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• contemplating pregnancy within the next six months
• At least one of the following criteria: BMI ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m2, gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, previous infant > 4.5 kg, fasting plasma glucose > 5.3 mmol/L, or Non-European ethnicity

Exclusion Criteria:

• On-going pregnancy
• Trying to conceive ≥ 6 cycles at study entry
• Known diabetes (type 1 or 2)
• Shift work that includes night shifts > 2 days per week
• Previous hyperemesis
• Known cardiovascular diseases
• High intensity exercise ≥ 2 hours/week the last 3 months
• Habitual eating window ≤ 12 hours