Table 2 Strategies used in the self-efficacy-enhancing intervention

Performance accomplishments

Identifying the obstacles to keeping participants active through discussion

Problem solving

[42, 43, 81]

Setting achievable goals and actions, e.g., achieving 10 min of exercise following the exercise video daily before increasing gradually to 30 min

Goal setting; Set graded tasks;

[42, 43, 80, 81]

Negotiating techniques with participants to achieve bigger goals, e.g., set alarm on phone for activity; put notes on doors, the refrigerator, or the television to be active; stand or walk rather than siting in add breaks

Prompt self-monitoring of

behaviour

[42, 43, 79,80,81]

Monitoring physical activity diary and gestational weight gain on WeChat notes

Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour

[42, 43, 79,80,81]

Planning for decreasing sedentary behavior

Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour

[42, 43, 79,80,81]

Providing positive feedback for participants’ accomplishments

Provide feedback on performance

[42, 43, 77, 78, 81]

Providing booklet to reinforce knowledge

Provide instruction

[42, 43, 78, 81]

exercise clinic visit

Behavioral practice/rehearsal, Demonstration of the behavior

[75, 81]

Vicarious experience

Checking behavioral tracking, review, and feedback on goals; “we’re going to check how you went with your physical activity and tracking and work together to set a healthy activity goal.”

Prompt review of behavioural goals

[42, 43, 79]

Sharing self-management strategies from successful pregnant women

Facilitate social comparison; social support

[42, 43, 78, 81]

Verbal persuasion

Discussing and providing information about consequences of physical inactivity and unhealthy gestational weight gain

Provide information on consequences of behaviour

[42, 43]

Confirming participants have the capability for exercise and weight self-management

Motivational interviewing

[80]

Informing that one’s own behavior may be an example to others, i.e., inform the participants that if they do physical activity, that may be a good example for their friends and family members.

Information about social and environmental consequences

[75]

Guiding participants to recall previous successful behavior-change situations, discuss context and factors associated with success

Prompting focus on past success

[80]

Providing positive feedback for the participant’s effort

Reinforcing effort or progress towards behaviour;

[78]

physiological and emotional

Assessing and explaining the participant’s pregnancy-related symptoms and negative emotions

Stress Management/emotional control training

[42, 43, 75, 79, 80]

Discussing strategies for managing symptoms, anxiety, or depression, such as positive self-talk and muscle relaxation