A cross‐sectional study exploring obesity and pregnancy planning among women attending an antenatal clinic in Suva, Fiji

Background Pregnancy planning enables maternal health optimisation which is particularly important for women who have obesity and are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Aims The prevalence of pregnancy planning and its relationship to body mass index (BMI) was investigated in a cohort of women attending antenatal clinics in the main referral hospital in Suva, Fiji. Materials and Methods The questionnaire captured health and socio‐demographic data, anthropometry and asked about pregnancy planning. Results Two thousand, two hundred and three pregnant women presenting for their first booking at the antenatal clinic were enrolled; 721 (37.4%) out of 1926 women with complete data reported they did not plan their pregnancy. A third of women ( n  = 633, 32.8%) had overweight and 805 (41.7%) had obesity. In multivariable analyses parity, employment status, marital status, and BMI were significantly associated with pregnancy planning. Compared to women of a healthy weight or underweight, women who have obesity were less likely to plan their pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 0.742; 95% CI 0.569–0.967). Conclusion Tackling the cycle of obesity will require attention to preconception care and optimising weight before pregnancy.