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.