Certainly, when you find out you're pregnant, the first thing a mother should do is begin prenatal care . Prenatal care is very important for mothers-to-be. However, many first-time moms might still have questions such as: When should I start prenatal care? Where should I go for prenatal care—at a public hospital or a private one? What documents do I need to prepare for my first visit? And what will the doctor check during the first prenatal visit?
Understanding Prenatal Care
Prenatal care refers to the health check-ups and monitoring of both the mother and the baby from the first day of pregnancy until delivery. The purpose is to watch for any potential complications that may arise during pregnancy. Doctors provide knowledge and guidance on how to care for oneself during pregnancy, and regular appointments are scheduled throughout the pregnancy to monitor the health of both mother and baby.
What is Special Prenatal Care
Special prenatal care refers to the process where a pregnant woman receives care from a single doctor throughout her pregnancy, and this doctor will also be the one to assist with the delivery. This type of care is commonly provided at private hospitals. When you choose to have prenatal care at a private hospital, it is typically considered special prenatal care by default, essentially having a dedicated obstetrician who will care for you until delivery.
For those preparing to have a baby or trying to get pregnant, the first thing you need to know is that prenatal care is very important. Doctors will help ensure the health and safety of both the pregnant mother and the baby. If a mother does not receive prenatal care, the risk of giving birth to a baby with a lower-than-normal birth weight can increase by up to three times, and the baby may be at a higher risk of death, up to five times more than mothers who receive prenatal care. By attending regular check-ups as scheduled by the doctor, the mother can help ensure the baby’s safety, as doctors can detect any abnormalities and provide timely treatment or prevention.
When should you start prenatal care?
If a mother discovers that she is pregnant, she can consult and begin prenatal care with a doctor immediately. Early prenatal care helps the doctor provide necessary advice and ensures the safety of both the mother and the baby. The ideal time to begin prenatal care is as soon as the mother finds out she is pregnant or within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is important to start early because delaying prenatal care may increase the risks.
Benefits of Prenatal Care
Benefits of Prenatal Care
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To Check for Pregnancy Complications: Prenatal care is essential to monitor whether the pregnancy is progressing normally. Doctors can diagnose conditions like preeclampsia, anemia, syphilis, HIV infections, etc., that may pose risks to both the mother and baby. It also helps check if the baby's position in the womb is normal and correct any issues that may arise. If anemia is detected, treatment can be given to improve blood quality.
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Prevent Complications During Pregnancy: Prenatal care helps reduce the risks of complications during pregnancy, ensuring a smoother pregnancy and safer delivery. If complications arise, the doctor can minimize the risks of infections, excessive bleeding, and other issues.
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Protecting the Baby's Health: Prenatal care helps prevent risks to the baby, including miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, or neonatal death. It also helps reduce the likelihood of infection in the baby.
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Ensuring Proper Development of the Baby: Regular prenatal visits help ensure that the baby grows and develops properly, gaining a healthy weight and reaching developmental milestones.
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Promote the Mother's Physical and Mental Health: Prenatal care promotes the overall well-being of the mother by addressing both physical and mental health. Doctors offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, and addressing concerns, ensuring the mother stays healthy throughout her pregnancy.
When should you have your first prenatal checkup, and how many months into the pregnancy should it be?
It is recommended to have your first prenatal checkup as soon as you find out you are pregnant, for the safety of both the mother and the baby. The entire pregnancy period is very crucial, and once you begin your prenatal care, the doctor will conduct detailed checkups and schedule regular follow-ups. This ensures that both the mother and the baby remain healthy and strong. Therefore, if you find out you're pregnant, it’s important to start prenatal care as soon as possible.
What documents are needed for prenatal care?
What documents are needed for prenatal care? Here’s what you should prepare when going for your first prenatal visit:
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ID cards of both the mother and father
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Medical history, including any allergies, previous childbirth history, chronic illnesses, history of miscarriage, and genetic disease risks
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Information about the last menstrual period, starting from the first day of the last period.
Steps for the first prenatal visit:
What will be checked during the first prenatal visit
Urine test
The first thing that will be done when you go for your first prenatal visit is a urine test to check for sugar in the urine. This is to ensure that the mother doesn't have gestational diabetes. The test also checks for protein, which could indicate kidney dysfunction. If protein is found later in pregnancy along with high blood pressure, it suggests a high risk of preeclampsia.
Weight and height measurement
Your height will be measured, which gives a rough estimate of your pelvic size. If the mother is small, this may make labor more difficult, especially if the baby is larger. You will also need to have your weight checked every time you visit to ensure that you are gaining weight appropriately.
Blood test
During the prenatal visit, you will need to have blood drawn to check the blood concentration, blood components, blood type, and to screen for certain infections, such as hepatitis, syphilis, rubella, and HIV.
Blood pressure measurement
Your blood pressure will be measured at every visit. Two values will be recorded: the first is the systolic pressure (when the heart contracts to pump blood), and the second is the diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). A normal reading is around 120/70 mmHg. If your blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg, it indicates high blood pressure.
Abdominal examination
During the prenatal visit, an abdominal examination, or ultrasound, will be done to check the baby's position. The doctor will check whether the head is down, estimate the size and weight of the baby, and ensure that the baby’s position is safe for both the baby and the mother.
How many times should you go for prenatal visits? How often do you need to see the doctor?
First trimester (from conception to 14 weeks):
The doctor will schedule appointments every month.
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Urine test or ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
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Screening for bacterial infections in the vagina or urinary tract.
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Blood test for the first prenatal visit (HIV, STDs, Hepatitis B/C, blood type, and thalassemia screening).
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Blood test for genetic abnormalities screening or to measure chemicals indicating Down syndrome in the fetus.
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Ultrasound to determine pregnancy age and screen for any abnormalities in the fetus.
Second trimester (15-28 weeks):
The doctor will schedule appointments every month.
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Blood test to screen for gestational diabetes.
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Amniocentesis to test fetal chromosomes (if at risk).
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Ultrasound to determine the fetus's gender and monitor its growth and development.
Third trimester (29-42 weeks):
The doctor will schedule appointments every 2 weeks.
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Teaching fetal movement counting.
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Vaccination for flu and tetanus.
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Blood test for the first prenatal visit (HIV, STDs, Hepatitis B/C, and blood concentration levels).
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Ultrasound to estimate the fetus's weight and check the baby's health.
Fetal Development
Prenatal care is crucial for the healthy development of the fetus, as it ensures that the mother receives expert care and guidance throughout the pregnancy. Doctors analyze and assess the risks for both the mother and the baby, ensuring that the fetus develops properly and healthily. The development of the fetus is divided into three trimesters as follows:
First Trimester (Month 1-3):
In week 5, the embryo is about 4-25 mm in size and begins to develop the nervous system, heart, ears, eyes, and nose. By week 6, expectant parents can hear the fetal heartbeat for the first time.
By weeks 9-12, the embryo grows more than double in size, and the arms and legs begin to move. The brain continues to develop, and by the end of week 12, most major organs are fully developed. This makes the first trimester crucial for monitoring fetal development.
Second Trimester (Month 4-6):
By weeks 13-16, the fetus is about 7-12 cm in size, and facial features become more distinct. The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler device.
By weeks 17-20, the fetus begins to develop body hair and can hear the mother's voice. In weeks 21-24, the fetus grows eyebrows and hair, and the sex of the baby can be determined by the end of the second trimester.
Third Trimester (Month 7-9):
By weeks 25-28, the fetus is around 30-35 cm long and can open and close its eyes and hear external sounds.
By weeks 33-36, the fetus’s movements become stronger and more noticeable. By week 37, the fetus has reached full development and is nearly ready for birth.
Let's get to know the "Pregnancy Record Book":
If a mother visits the doctor for prenatal care, she will certainly receive a "prenatal book" to take home. This prenatal book acts as a record of the pregnancy, documenting detailed information about the mother and the baby, starting from the early stages of pregnancy, the baby's development, and more. Therefore, it's important to always carry this book with you, as it can be useful in case of emergencies, allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions and provide timely treatment.
How much does prenatal care cost?
Prenatal care services in Thailand are available at many places, including public hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics. The cost of each depends on the services provided and the facility's appropriateness. Generally, if you choose a public hospital for prenatal care, the initial consultation fee starts at around 1,500 THB, but there might be some delays as public hospitals tend to have a high volume of patients. Private hospitals often offer packages with prices starting from 10,000 THB, which may be higher than other options. Lastly, clinics, which are also a popular choice, have prenatal care services starting from 1,000 THB, with the advantage of minimal waiting time and a moderate price range.
How to choose the best place for prenatal care?
Prenatal care should be done at the nearest and most convenient hospital, preferably one close to home. This ensures quick and easy access in case of emergencies. If the medical facility already has a record of the mother's previous health conditions, it is even better, as the doctor will be aware of any pre-existing illnesses, medications used, and potential effects on the baby. For mothers who have been pregnant before, they may also choose to continue prenatal care with the same obstetrician.
Pregnancy check-up and prenatal care with BeyondIVF
At Beyond IVF, before establishing our medical facility specializing in infertility treatment, we conducted in-depth studies on prenatal care. With experts like Dr. Poonsak Suchonwanich (Ajarn Ton), who has over 20 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, we provide comprehensive care—not just infertility treatment or prenatal care, but also childbirth services.
Because of this, Beyond IVF has extensive knowledge in this field. Currently, for expectant mothers receiving prenatal care with us, we do not offer fixed packages or a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we customize prenatal care for each case based on individual conditions and needs.
Prenatal check-ups and care at Beyond IVF are primarily based on health assessments, such as screening for gestational diabetes, anemia, hypertension during pregnancy, and neural tube defects. For parents concerned about genetic factors or pre-existing medical conditions, we provide special monitoring to ensure peace of mind throughout the pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal Care
What is the latest stage of pregnancy to start prenatal care?
It is recommended to have the first prenatal visit before reaching 12 weeks of pregnancy. After that, the doctor will schedule follow-up appointments approximately every 6–8 weeks.
Is it necessary for my husband to accompany me to prenatal visits?
A common question is, “Can I go to prenatal check-ups alone?” The answer is yes—it is not mandatory for the husband to be present. However, in some cases, if the mother’s blood test indicates a risk of thalassemia, the doctor may request a blood test from the father as well. If both parents carry the gene, an amniocentesis may be required to check whether the baby has inherited the condition.
What documents or items are needed for prenatal care registration?
Many first-time mothers wonder what they need to prepare for their initial prenatal appointment. Since a new medical record will be created, it is recommended to prepare the following checklist:
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Mother's and father's identification cards
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Medical history, especially any past illnesses
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Information about the last menstrual period (counting from the first day of the last cycle)
Can I receive prenatal care at a clinic but give birth at a hospital?
Yes, prenatal care can be done at either a clinic or a hospital. If you have a preferred doctor, you can register for prenatal care at their clinic. When it’s time for delivery, the doctor will allow you to choose the hospital where you would like to give birth and recover.
Can I give birth without having prenatal care?
Although it is still possible to give birth without prenatal care, it is strongly discouraged. Pregnancy lasts around nine months, and each stage is crucial for both the mother and baby. Without regular monitoring, complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta previa, or placental insufficiency may go undetected. Skipping prenatal care means the mother will not be aware of the baby’s development, position, or estimated due date, which can lead to unforeseen risks and complications during delivery.
Conclusion
Prenatal care is essential for expecting mothers. It is not only about monitoring the mother's health but also about tracking the baby's growth and development to detect any potential abnormalities. If you have any concerns or questions about prenatal care, feel free to contact us via Line: @beyondivf