NERS NEWS — Nursing Professional Education students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) program entitled “Beware of Obesity During Pregnancy: Prevent Complications Through Early Intervention” on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in the waiting area of the Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob-Gyn) Outpatient Clinic at Universitas Airlangga Hospital. The program was delivered through lectures and interactive discussions using leaflets and PowerPoint presentations to improve pregnant women’s and their families’ knowledge about preventing excessive weight gain and maintaining healthy weight management throughout pregnancy.
The educational session provided comprehensive information on the definition of obesity during pregnancy, nutritional status classification based on Body Mass Index (BMI), its causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, potential complications affecting both the mother and the fetus, and safe lifestyle management during pregnancy. The presenters explained that obesity during pregnancy is characterized by excessive body fat accumulation (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² during the first trimester), which can trigger chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. Consequently, pregnant women with obesity face an increased risk of serious complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Meanwhile, the fetus is at greater risk of macrosomia, preterm birth, and metabolic disorders later in life.
In addition to discussing these health risks, the Nursing Professional Education students emphasized the importance of appropriate weight management and active family involvement in supporting healthy lifestyle practices. Rather than promoting aggressive weight loss, the education focused on maintaining the recommended total pregnancy weight gain of 5–9 kg for women with obesity. This goal can be achieved through a balanced and nutritious diet, limiting foods high in sugar and saturated fat, attending regular antenatal care (ANC) visits, and engaging in safe moderate-intensity physical activities, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal exercise, adjusted to each stage of pregnancy.
The program was organized by Group D1-4 of the Nursing Professional Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m., targeting pregnant women and their family members. The organizing team consisted of Nayla Putri Aisyah as moderator; Dhea Triananda and Sasikirana Ariesta Dewani as presenters; Sekar Ayu, Tirza Adinda, Sefina Rafi, Sindy Rahma, and Nur Laila as facilitators; Azra Rizky as observer; and Riska Dia Amilia as documentation coordinator. Throughout the session, participants showed great enthusiasm by paying close attention to the presentation, actively engaging in discussions, and asking questions to reinforce their understanding of the material.
Overall, the activity was conducted smoothly, interactively, and successfully achieved its planned objectives. The PKRS program was carried out under the academic supervision of Dr. Mira Triharini, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., and the clinical supervision of Anisa Mardiati Imaniar, S.Keb., Bd. This health education initiative represents the students’ contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through preventive efforts to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity, and SDG 4: Quality Education by providing reliable, evidence-based maternal nursing education within the hospital setting.
Through this PKRS program, pregnant women and their families are expected to become more aware of the risks associated with gestational obesity and to actively work together in maintaining balanced nutritional status throughout pregnancy. With improved knowledge and strong family support, the risk of obesity-related pregnancy complications can be minimized, contributing to healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies from the very beginning of life.
Writer: Riska Dia Amilia
