Most mothers usually find out they are pregnant by purchasing a pregnancy test kit to test at home and seeing two lines, which often raises the question of when to start prenatal care. The next recommended step for expectant mothers is to see an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy.
Pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy
The initial test is not considered the start of prenatal care, but it is recommended to confirm the pregnancy every time you find out you are pregnant to check that
- This pregnancy is a normal intrauterine pregnancy to ensure it is not an ectopic pregnancy, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
- To confirm the estimated gestational age corresponds with the last menstrual period.
- To receive advice on self-care and prenatal supplements.
When should prenatal care begin?
For starting prenatal care, it is generally recommended to begin when the fetus and fetal heartbeat can be seen. On average, the first prenatal visit is advised at 11-12 weeks of gestation to ensure there is no fetal demise, which is common before 10 weeks of gestation, or a molar pregnancy (pregnancy without a fetus) that cannot continue.
What tests are required during prenatal care?
During the first prenatal visit, the doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination of the mother, conduct an ultrasound to confirm gestational age and number of fetuses, and draw blood from both mother and father to check for blood cell health, blood type, sexually transmitted infections, and thalassemia carrier status.
11 weeks, an important period… screening for Down syndrome
From 11 weeks of gestation onwards, it is an appropriate time to screen for Down syndrome in the fetus. Therefore, if the mother is interested in screening for Down syndrome, the blood test can be done together with the prenatal blood test in one visit.
Take Folic acid to prepare before pregnancy
For prenatal vitamins during the first trimester, it is recommended to take Folic acid, which can be started at least 1 month before pregnancy. For those preparing for pregnancy or who have not taken it before, it is recommended to start taking it immediately upon learning of the pregnancy and continue until 14 weeks of gestation.
After 14 weeks of gestation, the obstetrician will switch the prenatal supplement to a multivitamin. The reason for not giving multivitamins from the start is that they contain iron, which can cause nausea and vomiting and worsen morning sickness. Therefore, multivitamins are usually started after morning sickness has subsided or after 14 weeks of gestation.
Therefore, once pregnancy is confirmed, you should see a doctor for confirmation and follow-up to ensure it is a normal pregnancy and it is recommended to start the first prenatal visit at 11-12 weeks of gestation.
Dr. Linlada Wichakunururoj
Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
