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Fertility desire refers to an individual’s or couple’s desire to conceive and plan the timing and spacing of births, which significantly impacts childbirth and family planning choices. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of research on fertility desire among pregnant women, leaving their unique needs largely unaddressed. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of fertility desire among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset, comprising a weighted sample of 1,135 pregnant women. Complex survey multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify determinants of fertility desire. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The study included 1,135 pregnant women with a mean age of 27.2 years (SD = 6.19). Overall, the prevalence of fertility desire among pregnant women was found to be 61.9% (95% CI: 57.04–66.55). Fertility desire was significantly influenced by age, parity, socioeconomic status, employment, and region of residence. Women aged 20–34 years, those with no previous births (nulliparous), and women with a history of abortion were more likely to desire additional children. Similarly, higher fertility desire was observed among women from middle-income households and those living in the Afar and Somali regions. Conversely, women from wealthier households, those who were employed, and residents of the Amhara, Oromia, and Dire Dawa regions were less likely to express fertility desire. Parity also influenced fertility desire, with both nulliparous and multiparous women showing higher likelihoods of desiring more children than primiparous women. Socioeconomic status, regional disparities, and employment status significantly influence fertility desire. Targeted interventions, such as reproductive counseling, workplace support for mothers, and equitable healthcare access, are essential to address disparities and empower women in family planning decisions.