Question for women (pregnant or mothers) only. What should I take with my to the hospital before labor?

Question

I think I just lost my mucus plug. Not sure tho. When I woke up this morning, there was a small glob of brownish discharge on my underwear. I don't have any back pains at all or any other symptoms. When I wiped there was more dark brownish discharge. I have on a pad and have been watching to see if there's any more, but I just see very slight dark brown spotting on the pad. Was that glob before my mucus plug? I do have another appointment with my doctor early Tuesday morning, but I'll go ahead and give him a call to let him know about the glob. So, just in case I could be going into labor soon, I want to go ahead and finish getting my hospital bag ready but am not sure what all I should take. Could you all please let me know? Thanks

Answer 1

More than likely it was your mucous plug, but that doesn't mean labor is right around the corner. My mucous plug started coming out about a month before I went into labor. Anyways, I took a camera, shampoo & conditioner, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, deodrant, hair gel, etc. underwear, outfit to wear home, the baby book, my What To Expect When Expecting book, cell phone, important phone numbers, and my ID. That was about it. Oh yeah, and my insurance card.

Answer 2

That could have been the mucous plug, but doesn't necessarily mean that you'll go into labour right away. Some women lose their mucous plug weeks before they actually deliver.

Definitely bring something for yourself to do afterwards! I was so bored laying in bed, when the baby was sleeping, I had to get my husband to go home and bring me some books and crossword puzzles to do to pass the time. Also bring some snacks and drinks. Using the hospital vending machines can get expensive, and hospital supplied meals are never that great.

In terms of what to bring for the baby, I don't know if every hospital does this, but I wish I would've brought my own baby wipes. They didn't supply wipes, I had to use face cloths, which to me was so rough for a newborn! I also brought the outfit that I planned to bring baby home in, as well as a soother (if you decide to use one so soon) The hospital supplied the diapers, so I didn't have to worry about that.

There's nothing else that you really NEED to bring, other than things that you think would make you more comfortable. (A pair of sweats and a t-shirt made me feel better than wearing the hospital gown the whole time) Loose clothing is a must unless you don't mind wearing that gown... Chapstick was helpful to have, I got a little dehydrated and my lips became very dry., toothpaste and a toothbrush, and you're own soap and shampoo if you plan on taking a shower afterwards.

Oh and don't forget to bring the camera! ;)

Good luck ,and congratulations on your baby!

Answer 3

You're on the right track and should let your doc know about the discharge. My advice on what to take in your bag would be some good reading, comfy jammies from home, slippers, and your own pillow. The worst part of my hospital stay when I had my daughter was the pillow! Well, other than the stitches, but I'll not go into any horror stories. Anyway, after delivery you need to rest and a familiar pillow, even if you are in a strange hospital room, can do wonders! Best wishes, blessings, and congratulations to you, sister!

Answer 4

That is a good thing to call your doctor that way you know what to expect, but don't get too anxious because you really don't want to do anything until your water breaks or you go into labor. I am a mother of 2 and with my daughter I had my water break and with my son I was having constant contractions to where I needed to go to the hospital because they were back to back. Your doctor should give you a list of things to bring for you and the baby to the hospital but most you won't need. You will need to bring for yourself : slippers, button front Jammie's if your going to breastfeed, extra pillow, your necessities....brush, chap stick, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, lotion, makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste..a camera, you won't need a book or anything because you will want rest. Coming home clothes and maybe some snacks for those midnight cravings. For baby: coming home clothes, picture clothes, blanket and maybe like a onesie for when he's in the nursery..but they keep the baby's warm. A pacifier if that's what you want and don't forget the car seat. Basically that's it because the hospital has pampers for the baby they have towels, they have receiving blankets, they have the formula bottles, you might want to bring some wipes and pampers for the diaper bag but that's about it.

Answer 5

First, definitely call the doctor. Second, if you are, in fact, in labor the things I would suggest you take to the hospital are ... comfortable pajamas (probably a nightgown), either music or a book because trying to do both is hard. Any oufits you want the baby to wear. I would suggest bringing 2-3 outfits for the baby. You don't know how long you'll be there and they go through them fast. Also, bring along your cell phone (if you have one) and your address/telephone book, if you need it. Slippers, warm socks a robe and your toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, a brush and whatever else you use.

Answer 6

Your doc should have given you a list of items needed

Here is what I remember taking:

suckie candies I am partial to lemon sours

I liked having a few bottles of Perrier to cut through and really quench my thirst

a nightie that exposes a breast if you plan to nurse

Breast pads and nursing bra & several pairs of panties. Now is the time to wear those "granny panties" tucked in the back of the cupboard.

Daddy should bring an infant carrier seat for release time

something to wear home for you and baby (packed near the carseat so Daddy can bring later)

they say music but I never wanted it

SLIPPERS and lotsa socks

something to read (never read but I am a book addict "just in case")

toiletries

Your phone book

oh.... and your partner in this great adventure!

This is a short list. I am optimistic that you and baby will spend a short time in the hospital. Here you go home within 24 hours if all has gone well. If you will be longer, add some comfy layabout clothing (sweats, gowns) and more of everything else.

I tend to travel as lightly as possible. Even when I lugged baby around, I had nappies and cloth in my purse and maybe a change of clothing too. We did fine without all that paraphernalia they try to sell new parents. No diaper rashes and a week later she was getting her Masters.

You are in for a wonderful adventure. At times it will seem like it is neverending. But suddenly, it is gone and they are living the lives you raised them to live. Without carrying around a lot of stuff!

Enjoy yourself.

Answer 7

Hey good luck with your labour i hope it goes well for you.
You will need ;
Socks (trust me your feet will get cold if youre on the bed)
a couple of nighties (preferably front opening),
hair bands, shampoo, soap, hairbrush.
some change for the payphone.
Flannels (to keep you hot and cool)
a sponge (trust me, afterwards, when your too scared to pee, run it in hot water press it against you and pee, it helps)
Maternity towels (like sanitry towels but more absorbant)
breast pads
some loose fitting jogging bottoms to walk around in if your in hospital for a while
lots of BIG pants and a stretchy top.
some snacks to keep your energy up, like fruit and sandwiches.
baby clothes, you should be safe with 3 vests, 3 pairs of socks, 4 babygros and a few cotton hats and some scratch mittens

I think that should just about cover it, hopefully it should fit in a sports bag and a small shoulder bag.

Again good luck!

Answer 8

Comfy pajamas/clothes for after the first day (don't bring anything to extravagant because you could leak on yourself) Clothes that are easy to nurse in if you are nursing.
Slippers, hospital floors are cold.
Small bottles of shampoo/conditioner, and your basic bathroom necessities.
Chapstick! Your lips will get so dry during labor its unbelievable.
Camera, reading materials, extra pillow, one of those small massagers for labor.
I'm sure if I forgot anything someone else might be able to help you.
Good Luck!

Answer 9

You'll want slippers and a robe.
If you plan to nurse your baby, get a couple of nightgowns that open in the front.
Pack your hairbrush, and extra hair ties if your hair is long, your face wash, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.
Chapstick or lip balm- your lips will get all dried out
A camera

Answer 10

Congradulations!! Take clothes for baby, whatever you want him/her to wear in the photo. Comfty clothes for you, maybe a robe, warm socks, Books, Carseat, if you have a favorite pillow or blanket, Anything you think you may want while you are there, be prepared. Congrats and good luck!!