A randomized controlled trial depicted that women who participated in the maternal mentoring program prior to conception exhibited favorable outcomes in terms of birth weight and growth of the fetus. Investigators sought to evaluate the effects of a maternal mentoring program, offered to women before conception, on fetal growth and birth weight.

Overall, 384 eligible volunteers were randomized to one of the two groups: the intervention group (comprising subjects who received both the maternal mentoring program and standard care, n = 189) or the control group (consisting of subjects who were provided with only standard care, n = 195). The maternal mentoring program included text message reminders, health monitoring, and preconception health education for females planning to conceive.

Growth of the fetus was assessed between weeks 27 and 30 of gestation utilizing ultrasonographic measurements to estimate the weight of the fetus. Within 24 hours of delivery, a recording of the birth weight was done. Women's body mass indexes, pregnancy readiness, and demographics were gathered via a structured questionnaire. Following adjustments, the intervention group exhibited a 14% elevation in fetal weight compared to the control group.

The intervention group exhibited a 0.16 higher average weight-for-length Z-score at birth compared to the control group. The positive impact on fetal growth and birth weight observed in this population suggested that implementing the maternal mentoring program in other settings, both nationally and globally, should be considered for expansion.