Proportion of the First Antenatal Care within 12 Weeks of Pregnancy and Associated Factors in Wichian Buri Hospital

Abstract

The first antenatal care (ANC) visit within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy plays a critical role in preventing maternal and neonatal complications. In fiscal year 2020, only 37.5% of pregnant women received ANC within 12 weeks at Wichian Buri Hospital, Phetchabun Province. This study aimed to assess the proportion of early ANC and identify associated factors. Retrospective analytical study was conducted among 390 postpartum women gave birth and had a history of antenatal care at Wichian Buri Hospital in the fiscal year 2021. Data were collected using a clinical record extraction form and analyzed using a statistical program. The results show that 64.4% of pregnant women received first ANC within 12 weeks. Factors that were significantly associated at the 0.05 level were age 18–25 years, educational level, number of pregnancies, knowledge of ANC, no history of miscarriage, and family support in emotional, practical, and informational aspects. Factors that were not significantly associated were a history of abnormal delivery, chronic illness, occupation, travel distance from home to hospital, and health service scheme. These findings highlight the importance of personal factors and family support for early ANC attendance, suggesting the need for targeted promotion at the primary care level.