The Ava bracelet for collection of fertility and pregnancy data in free-living conditions: An exploratory validity and acceptability study.

Objective: To evaluate the validity and acceptability of the Ava bracelet for collecting heart rate, sleep, mood, and physical activity data among reproductive-aged women (pregnant and nonpregnant) under free-living conditions.

Methods: Thirty-three participants wore the Ava bracelet on their non-dominant wrist and reported mood and physical activity in the Ava mobile application for seven nights. Criterion validity was determined by comparing the Ava bracelet heart rate and sleep duration measures to criterion measures from the Polar chest strap and ActiGraph GTX3 + accelerometer.

Maternal Physical Activity at Term and Spontaneous Labor: A Case-Crossover Study.

Background: This study assessed associations between antenatal physical activity and the onset of spontaneous labor (SL).

Methods: Data were taken from 541 participants in the third pregnancy, infection, and nutrition study who had no contraindications to antenatal physical activity. An interviewer-administered questionnaire assessed labor triggers, gestational age at birth, and physical activity within the week (24 h to 7 d) and the 24-hour period (0-24 h) prior to SL.

Meal patterning and the onset of spontaneous labor.

Background: There is a lack of consensus in the literature about the association between meal patterning during pregnancy and birth outcomes. This study examined whether maternal meal patterning in the week before birth was associated with an increased likelihood of imminent spontaneous labor.

Methods: Data came from 607 participants in the third phase of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study (PIN3).

Predictors and Outcomes of Digital Weighing and Activity Tracking Lapses Among Young Adults During Weight Gain Prevention.

Objectives: Self-monitoring is critical for weight management, but little is known about lapses in the use of digital self-monitoring. The objectives of this study were to examine whether lapses in self-weighing and wearing activity trackers are associated with weight and activity outcomes and to identify objective predictors of lapses.

Methods: Participants (N = 160, BMI = 25.

Feeding style profiles are associated with maternal and infant characteristics and infant feeding practices and weight outcomes in African American mothers and infants.

Much literature links individual feeding styles to infant feeding practices and growth; however, parents' feeding styles are not discrete and may vary by context. We use latent profile analysis (LPA) as a person-centered approach to categorize infant feeding style patterns, test factors predicting profile membership, and examine if profiles are associated with infant feeding and weight. Additionally, we test the impact of a responsive feeding intervention on profile membership and stability.

When Does It All Begin: What, When, and How Young Children Are Fed.

The first 2 years of life are a critical period to promote nutrition and dietary behaviors for optimal growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until 6 months with the addition of safe, nutritionally adequate complementary foods thereafter. Caregiver adherence to international guidelines for feeding infants and toddlers varies depending on the setting, access to information, quality of food, and cultural beliefs.