Why should you start prenatal care early?
At how many weeks should you have your first prenatal visit?
And what tests are done at the first prenatal appointment?

These are the questions that worry first-time mothers the most, especially after just finding out they are pregnant. Many are unsure when they should see a doctor, how to prepare, and what the first checkup will include.

This article summarizes 7 important things you should know before your first prenatal visit in an easy-to-understand but medically complete way, so you can feel confident from the very first step of pregnancy.

At how many weeks should your first prenatal visit be?

In general, it is recommended to see a doctor at around 6–8 weeks of pregnancy, or as soon as a pregnancy is detected with a urine test.

Starting prenatal care in the first trimester is important because it helps the doctor:

• Confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus

• Accurately assess gestational age

• Screen for risks early

According to World Health Organization recommendations, starting prenatal care early can significantly reduce complications for both mother and baby.

7 things to check during your first prenatal visit

1. Ultrasound to confirm gestational age

The first ultrasound is done to:

• Confirm the location of the pregnancy in the uterus

• Check for the baby's heartbeat

• Measure the embryo to calculate gestational age

The first trimester is the most accurate time to determine gestational age and helps establish a clear estimated due date.

2. Basic blood tests

Blood tests are an important step because they help assess the mother's health from the beginning, including:

• ABO and Rh blood type

• Hemoglobin level (anemia screening)

• Initial diabetes screening

• Hepatitis B

• Syphilis

• HIV

These tests help plan prevention for risks such as passing infections to the baby or anemia that may affect fetal growth.

3. Urine test

This is used to evaluate urinary tract infection, sugar, and protein in the urine. Sometimes the mother may have no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can affect the pregnancy.

4. Medical history and chronic condition assessment

The doctor will take a detailed history, such as:

• Chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease)

• History of miscarriage or preterm birth

• Medication and supplement use

• Family history of genetic disorders

This is very important because some conditions require adjusting the care plan from the beginning, especially for mothers with chronic illnesses.

5. Chromosome risk screening

At 11–13 weeks of pregnancy, screening for Down syndrome and chromosomal abnormalities can be done, such as:

• NT scan

• NIPT

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, chromosomal screening should be offered to all pregnant women, not only older mothers.

6. Nutrition and essential vitamins assessment

The doctor will provide advice on:

• Taking folic acid at least 400–800 micrograms per day

• Iron supplementation

• Weight management within recommended guidelines

Getting folic acid during the first trimester clearly helps reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects.

7. Planning ongoing prenatal care

After the initial tests are completed, the doctor will explain the follow-up schedule, such as:

• Appointment schedule for each trimester

• Fetal anatomy scan at 18–22 weeks

• Vaccinations during pregnancy, such as the flu vaccine or Tdap

Having a clear plan from the beginning helps mothers feel confident and prepare properly.

How much does the first prenatal visit cost?

The first prenatal visit at Femily Wellness Clinic costs 2,990 THB

This package includes:

• Detailed physical examination by an obstetrician-gynecologist

• Ultrasound to assess gestational age

• Checking pregnancy location and listening to the baby's heartbeat

• Blood and urine tests

• Pregnancy risk assessment

• Appropriate prenatal vitamins as needed

If you have just found out you are pregnant and want to start proper care from the first weeks, starting prenatal care early is the best beginning for the health of both mother and baby 💛

Where should you choose to have prenatal care?

Consider the following factors:

• Availability of an obstetrician-gynecologist

• High-quality ultrasound equipment

• Detailed, easy-to-understand explanation of test results

• Convenient transportation

• Private, unhurried atmosphere

Because prenatal care is not just about "coming in for appointments"—it is continuous care throughout the 9 months. Mothers should feel comfortable, be able to ask questions, and receive clear explanations every time they see the doctor.

Femily Wellness Clinic 💛
Care provided by an obstetrician-gynecologist, with ultrasound equipment that delivers clear images and detailed pregnancy assessment

The clinic's atmosphere emphasizes warmth, privacy, and a relaxed pace so mothers feel comfortable at every visit.

The clinic is located on Ari Soi 2, conveniently near Ari BTS Station, just 200 meters away, and parking is available.

In summary

Your first prenatal visit should be around 6–8 weeks
The main tests include ultrasound, blood tests, urine tests, and a detailed assessment of the mother's health

Starting care early helps reduce risks and allows for confident pregnancy planning.

If you have just learned that you are pregnant and are still unsure how to begin, getting advice from a specialist will help you plan in the way that best suits your own health.

Author

Dr. Wichadet Wichuladda
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Currently pursuing a subspecialty in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Research published in the International Journal of Transgender Health

References

1. World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on antenatal care.

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin: Prenatal Care.

3. Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition.