Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research1735-906631220260517343347ENSchool of Nursing, Rangsit University, Mueang Pathum Thani, Pathum Thani,Department of Antenatal Care, Pathum Thani Hospital, Mueang Pathum Thani, Pathum Thani, Thailand2026051720260517<p><strong>Background: </strong>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. <strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>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. <strong>Results: </strong>The predictors of delayed initiation of antenatal care were attitude (95% CI: 3.65–17.59; <em>P </em>&lt; 0.001; OR = 8.02), social support (95% CI: 3.29–14.91; <em>P </em>&lt; 0.001; OR = 7.00), perceived benefit (95% CI: 2.65–17.59; <em>P </em>&lt; 0.001; OR = 5.91), unplanned pregnancy (95% CI: 1.72–8.46; <em>P </em>= 0.001; OR = 3.81), and perceived risk (95% CI: 1.58–7.08; <em>P </em>= 0.002; OR = 3.34). <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Healthcare providers should address these predictors to encourage timely antenatal care before 12 weeks of gestation.</p><p> </p>http://ijnmr.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijnmr/article/view/2379http://ijnmr.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijnmr/article/download/2379/70707968