Mobile Phone Apps in Australia for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes: Systematic Search on App Stores.

Background: Women are increasingly turning to mobile health platforms to receive health information and support in pregnancy, yet the content of these platforms vary. Although there is great potential to influence health behaviors, little research has assessed the quality of these platforms or their ability to change behavior. In recent years, validated tools to assess app quality have become available.

Addressing preconception behaviour change through mobile phone apps: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Many of the adverse outcomes experienced by mothers and babies are directly related to the health of the woman prior to pregnancy. This preconception period is a unique window of opportunity when women are often more motivated to optimise health and change their lifestyle in preparation for pregnancy. Several risk factors in the preconception period can contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes.

Understanding and provision of preconception care by general practitioners.

Background: Preconception care (PCC) defines health interventions prior to conception aimed at improving pregnancy and infant outcomes.

Aim: To explore the understanding and provision of PCC by general practitioners (GPs) within the Sydney Local Health District.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire developed with GPs assessed structure and content of PCC provided, attitudes toward PCC and perceived barriers and facilitators.

Effect of dietary carbohydrate restriction on glycemic control in adults with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nutrition therapy is considered a key component of diabetes management, yet evidence around the ideal macronutrient composition of the diet remains inconclusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets (≤45% of total energy) compared to high carbohydrate diets (>45% of total energy) on glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus. Six databases were searched for articles published between January 1980 and August 2016.

Lower glycemic load meals reduce diurnal glycemic oscillations in women with risk factors for gestational diabetes.

Objective: Maternal glycemia plays a key role in fetal growth. We hypothesized that lower glycemic load (GL) meals (lower glycemic index, modestly lower carbohydrate) would substantially reduce day-long glucose variability in women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Research Design And Methods: A crossover study of 17 women (mean±SD age 34.

Macronutrient Balance and Dietary Glycemic Index in Pregnancy Predict Neonatal Body Composition.

The influence of maternal macronutrient balance and dietary glycemic index (GI) on neonatal body composition has received little study. We hypothesized that the overall quantity and quality of macronutrients, particularly carbohydrate, in the maternal diet could have trimester-specific effects on neonatal growth and body composition in women at risk of gestational diabetes. Maternal diet was assessed using 3-day food records in mid (n = 96) and late (n = 88) pregnancy as part of the GI Baby 3 study.

Effects of a low-glycemic index diet during pregnancy on offspring growth, body composition, and vascular health: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Elevated maternal blood glucose concentrations may contribute to macrosomia, adiposity, and poorer vascular health in the offspring.

Objective: The aim was to explore the effect of a low-glycemic index (low-GI) diet during pregnancy on offspring growth, adiposity, and arterial wall thickness during infancy.

Design: This was a longitudinal follow-up study in a self-selected subgroup of mother-infant pairs (n= 59) participating in a larger randomized trial comparing the effects on perinatal outcomes of a low-GI diet and a conventional high-fiber (HF) diet during pregnancy.