"Where to register for pregnancy?" is a question that many first-time mothers wonder about and seek answers for. Choosing the right pregnancy clinic is crucial for the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. Here, we have the answers for you.
Answer to the question: Where to register for pregnancy?
You should choose a clinic that meets the standard, with an experienced obstetrician regularly available at the clinic. The hospital or clinic should be clean and easily accessible from your home, as convenience and safety are important for regular visits to the doctor.
You can choose to register at either public or private healthcare facilities, depending on your financial and time constraints. Registering for pregnancy care ensures that your pregnancy progresses safely, reducing the risks of complications during pregnancy, so it's important to register as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
Where should I register for pregnancy care?
For those preparing for pregnancy, when deciding where to register for prenatal care, it's best to choose a hospital that is nearby and convenient, such as one close to home. This is important in case of an emergency, as it ensures you can reach the hospital quickly and easily.
If you are already familiar with a healthcare facility due to previous treatments for chronic illnesses, it's even better, as the doctors will have a history of your health conditions, medications used, and can assess any potential impact on the pregnancy. For mothers who have been pregnant before, you can choose to register with the same obstetrician you saw previously. In general, when selecting where to register for pregnancy care, there are some key factors to consider, as follows
1. Choose a healthcare facility that meets standard quality.
- Possession of a Registered License for Healthcare Facilities Healthcare facilities in Thailand are categorized into various types. For prenatal care, it should be under the obstetrics and gynecology category. All healthcare facilities must possess a valid license, known as the "License to Operate a Healthcare Facility." Therefore, before selecting a facility, you should check whether it has the proper obstetrics and gynecology license.
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Cleanliness and Safety In every healthcare facility, another important consideration is cleanliness and safety. The cleanliness of equipment used, such as blood draw needles, syringes, and the overall hygiene of the staff, including their clothing and behavior, should be maintained at all times. The cleanliness of rooms and the proper cleaning protocols should align with international health standards, such as those set by the World Health Organization.
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Complete and Modern Equipment Technology plays a significant role in the current competition among clinics, where each strives to acquire the latest and most advanced equipment to provide the best results and enhance customer satisfaction.
Typically, prenatal care involves the use of ultrasound technology to monitor the baby's position, check for abnormalities, and allow the mother to see her baby in the womb. Currently, medical tools may not differ significantly in brand, but technological advancement across the facilities is still quite similar.
2. **Choose a Healthcare Facility Close to Home and Easily Accessible**
When a mother goes for prenatal care, the doctor will schedule several check-ups. In the early stages, appointments are typically scheduled once a month. As the due date approaches, the doctor will schedule more frequent visits, such as every two weeks.
Therefore, choosing a hospital or clinic close to home is important. Not only does it make travel more convenient, but in case of emergencies, such as abdominal pain or bleeding, the mother can reach the hospital in time.
3. Be a specialist with experience.
For pregnancy and childbirth care, it is essential to have an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) because the doctor must be skilled in pregnancy management, childbirth, and providing care for mothers during pregnancy or post-delivery.
An OB-GYN possesses the necessary expertise to manage each pregnancy, assess risks, treat any diseases, and address potential complications that may arise during pregnancy.
4. The cost of prenatal care should be reasonable.
Cost of Prenatal Care at Public Hospitals
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First prenatal check-up (including blood tests, urine tests, doctor’s fee, etc.): Approximately 1,500 THB
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Prenatal check-up per visit: Around 80-300 THB
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Medication throughout pregnancy: Approximately 1,000 THB
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Ultrasound: Around 500 THB per session
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Vaccinations: Approximately 200 THB
Note: The above prices are approximate and do not include additional special charges in case the mother has any high-risk conditions.
Cost of Prenatal Care at Private Clinics or Hospitals
For prenatal care at private clinics or hospitals, the costs tend to be higher compared to public hospitals.
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The average cost for each prenatal check-up at a private clinic or hospital is between 3,000 and 5,000 THB.
This does not include additional tests such as blood tests, Nifty tests, or genetic screenings, which may be recommended by the doctor depending on individual circumstances.
5. **Healthcare Facility with Good Service**
Good patient service should be provided willingly. When the staff works with passion, it can be observed through their body language, smiles, and positive attitude. They should also be able to manage their emotions and not raise their voices to patients receiving care.
For pregnant women, special attention should be given as they may be more emotionally sensitive than usual. If the nurses speak kindly and provide good service, it will help reduce the mother's worries.
Comparison of Prenatal Care at Public vs. Private Healthcare Facilities
Where to Choose for Prenatal Care?
Whether you choose a public hospital or a private hospital for prenatal care depends on your individual convenience and preferences. However, here is a comparison between public and private hospitals:
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Public Hospitals: Public hospitals typically have longer waiting times because of a higher number of patients. The doctors may rotate, meaning you might not always see the same doctor for each visit. However, the advantage of public hospitals is that the costs are generally much more affordable.
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Private Hospitals: Private hospitals tend to have shorter waiting times, and you will see the same doctor throughout your pregnancy and delivery, which is often referred to as "specialized prenatal care." However, the downside is that the costs for prenatal care and childbirth are generally higher.
Ultimately, the choice between a public or private hospital depends on your personal preferences, budget, and convenience.
How to Do Your First Prenatal Checkup?
When a mother finds out she is pregnant and has decided on a place to do her prenatal care, there are certain things she should prepare before seeing the doctor. These include important details about the pregnancy, such as the date of the last menstrual period or the date of the last sexual intercourse. Additionally, if the mother has any existing medical conditions, she should bring all medications or vitamins she is taking. This will allow the doctor to assess whether they may affect the baby and plan the appropriate prenatal care going forward.
What tests are done during the first prenatal visit?
During the first prenatal visit, the doctor will usually start by taking a detailed medical history to assess the pregnancy. This includes determining how far along the pregnancy is and identifying any conditions that may require special attention. An ultrasound will typically be performed via the vaginal route to confirm the pregnancy and check whether it is progressing appropriately for the gestational age.