UMS Physiotherapy Profession Students Educate Pregnant Women Through Prenatal Exercise in Baki

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) continues to strengthen its contribution to improving public health through knowledge-based community service. This commitment was carried out by students from the UMS Physiotherapy Professional Program through education and hands-on prenatal exercise sessions for pregnant women at several posyandu (community health posts) in Baki District, Sukoharjo.

Activity Person-in-Charge, Andi Muhammad Zaki, explained that the activity is a concrete example of applying physiotherapy knowledge within the community. Through this activity, students not only provided education, but also directly guided participants in performing physical activity that is safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

"This program helps support promotive and preventive efforts to maintain maternal health during pregnancy," he said when met on Tuesday (18/8/2026).

He also hopes that the presence of UMS Physiotherapy Profession students within the community can increase pregnant women's knowledge and awareness of the importance of maintaining fitness and preparing their physical condition ahead of childbirth.

Supervising Lecturer, Isnaini Herawati, Ftr., M.Sc., PhD., said the activity also serves as a space for students to develop professional competence through applying their knowledge in the field. Direct interaction with the community gives students experience in delivering health education and providing guidance in a way that is communicative, practical, and tailored to the needs of the target group.

The activity, titled "From Baki, For Great Mothers: Prenatal Exercise Together with Physiotherapy," targeted a group of pregnant women, with a total of 30 participants. It was carried out at several posyandu in Baki District, including in Menuran, Gentan, and Kadilangu villages, with support from local health workers and UMS's supervising lecturers.

The series of activities began with a pregnancy class session, delivered by a village midwife. In this session, participants received education on maternal and fetal health, the changes that occur during pregnancy, and preparation for childbirth.

A pregnancy class session held by the UMS community service team.

The material was provided to help mothers go through pregnancy in a healthier, more comfortable, and more confident way. Following the pregnancy class, UMS Physiotherapy Profession students then provided education on prenatal exercise.

Participants received an explanation of the meaning, goals, and benefits of prenatal exercise, including helping maintain physical fitness, reducing pregnancy-related complaints, and supporting muscle flexibility and strength.

Prenatal exercise was also introduced as a form of training to help prepare a mother's physical condition ahead of childbirth. In delivering the material, students paid close attention to each participant's pregnancy condition, so that the movements given could be performed safely and in line with each pregnant woman's individual ability.

As a practical application of the material, the activity continued with a demonstration and hands-on group practice of prenatal exercise. Students demonstrated a variety of prenatal exercise movements, and participants then followed along with direct guidance. Participants taking part in the activity were between 14 and 30 weeks pregnant, placing them in the second and third trimesters.

The activity was successfully carried out from 18 to 23 July 2026 at several posyandu in Baki District, Sukoharjo. Through this activity, UMS Physiotherapy Profession students are expected to continue contributing to improving community health literacy, while also promoting appropriate physical activity to support the health of both mother and baby through the process of childbirth.

Writer: Yusuf Ismail

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid