Predictors of Pregnant Women’s Delayed Initiation of Antenatal Care in Central Thailand

Background: Delayed initiation of antenatal care leads to adverse effects on maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study aimed to identify the predictors of delayed initiation of antenatal care among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a purposive sample of 330 women attending a hospital’s antenatal clinic in Central Thailand, divided into two groups: those attending the first antenatal visit before 12 weeks of gestation and those attending the first antenatal visit 12 weeks or more after. From May to October 2024, data were collected on sociodemographic information, knowledge, beliefs about pregnancy and antenatal care, antenatal care service setting, and social support. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The predictors of delayed initiation of antenatal care were attitude (95% CI: 3.65–17.59; P < 0.001; OR = 8.02), social support (95% CI: 3.29–14.91; P < 0.001; OR = 7.00), perceived benefit (95% CI: 2.65–17.59; P < 0.001; OR = 5.91), unplanned pregnancy (95% CI: 1.72–8.46; P = 0.001; OR = 3.81), and perceived risk (95% CI: 1.58–7.08; P = 0.002; OR = 3.34). Conclusions: Healthcare providers should address these predictors to encourage timely antenatal care before 12 weeks of gestation.