What and when do I need to pack bags for the hospital? I am 34 weeks pregnant?

Question

I am going to be enduced on new years eve but do I need to have my bags packed way before that just in case? And what do I need to pack. What did you find that you or someone you know needed? Thanks!!

Answer 1

You should pack your bags at least 2 weeks in advance...just in case.

You should pack:
1. an outfit to come home in (remember to include all underclothes as well - this is what I forgot when I had my son)
2. an outfit to bring the baby home
3. blankets for the baby
4. a book or something to read
5. your focal point/object while in labor
6. I packed my own night gown & robe, but didn't get a chance to use it.

Good luck & congratulations!

Answer 2

A pair of PJs if you don't want to wear a hospital gown.
Your toiletries [toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, comb].
Slippers and/or socks.
My mother always took her own pillow because she slept better that way.
And a change of clothes for the day you go home.

You don't need much they're going to kick you out the next day anyway :)

You may also want, if you plan on nursing, a nursing bra and pads. The hospital usually supplies pads. [You'll need the pads anyway]

I don't know if it's normal but my mother needed sanitary napkins [She had all c-sections.], the hospital supplied those too.

When you go home you'll need to have a car seat or they won't let you leave with the baby. You'll probably also want to bring a change of clothes for the baby and with it being so cold, a snow suit [or your choice of outerwear], a hat, and blanket. And baby's diaper bag to put all the complimentary stuff the hospital gives you [usually some diapers, bottles - used to that they'd give you formula, but more places want you to make the choice about breastfeeding or bottle feeding on your own].

Congrats and happy holidays.

Answer 3

well you should have your bags packed right now, because you can start contractions before you even get induced. it happens to 50 percent of the pregnant women who planned to get induced. you should pack you and the baby a come home outfit. now the baby outfit should include socks, hand mitts-don't want the baby to scratch the face,hat,blanket, and something to where. you should also have the car seat set up already. for you-clothes,socks,Kleenex-you will cry,camera,underwear,pads. the overnight thick kind because after you have the baby you will bleed like a period. sometimes the hospital will supply you with pads. the baby should also have diapers and everything needed for a change

Answer 4

I wouldn't have thought there was any great rush, but Nature has a way of springing surprises on you (having done the hospital dash at 2.30 in the morning). I seem to remember that my wife packed loose nightwear, robe, slippers, toiletries, stuff like that. Probably the hospital could advise you more specifically. as our last baby was 23 years ago and my memory is a bit shaky. hope this helps, and God bless you at this time.

Answer 5

there's probably no harm in packing your bag now, just to make sure. ok, here's a general list of things to pack:

*nightgown or old clothes to give birth in (and socks coz ur feet get cold)
*clothes/pyjamas for when you're in the hospital for a few days
* slippers
*dressing gown maybe
*clothes for baby
*nappies
*baby wipes
*dummy
*toothbrush, toiletries
*maternity pads

umm...i think i've got most important things, and then whatever else you want to take. all the best!

Answer 6

I packed early because my daughter was born at 30 weeks, but my son came at 37 so packing anytime now would be good.

Answer 7

I would start packing at about 36 weeks. Most babies won't come until at least 37 weeks. :)

A few nightgowns, and changes of clothes. You'll want to feel fresh when you want to. oh and shower gel and shampoo/conditioner. That wasn't offered to me at my hospital.

Answer 8

everything that you need to take care of yourself like

toothbrush/paste
gowns to sleep in (if you don't like the hospital ones)
shampoo/conditioner
deoderant/lotion
comfy clothes to leave the hospital in

things for the baby:

first outfit to leave the hospital in
blankets
mittens (so he/she doesn't scratch his/her face)


those are the only things that i really needed you might also want to bring books/mags things to keep you busy!!

good luck!

Answer 9

im 8 weeks pregnant too. have i was wondering the same thing

Answer 10

ok i suggest for you the best thing for you to do, is pack your bags now, then that way there sitting there and everything is done when its time to go.
things you need to pack in your bag are,
Pyjamas and slippers – The more glamorous the better! You’ve just had a baby – what better way to feel fantastic by having a great pair of pyjamas and slippers! Make sure you buy or bring two piece pyjamas if you intend on breastfeeding.
Underwear, underwear and more underwear!!! – Men’s underwear are very comfortable and ideal post-natally. They have plenty of room, are cheap and you can throw them away without feeling like you have ruined a good pair of underwear! Darker colours are good in case of leaks. If you buy 2-3 per day you should be covered. Don’t forget to pack a separate plastic bag to put your worn underwear in. Socks will keep your feet warm so pack a pair a day or nice warm socks.Maternity bras – Even if you are not breastfeeding, underwire bras are not ideal as they can become uncomfortable or cause mastitis. Ideally you will need to have 2-3 packed. Bras can get dirty quite easily with a baby, so unless you plan to wash them in hospital or have someone wash them for you, you may need more.Hairdryer – Not only to dry your hair, but if your hairdryer has a low setting, you can use it to carefully and lightly dry between your legs, particularly if you have had stitches and you don’t want to rub with a towel.Sanitary pads – You should not use tampons after you have given birth due to risk of infection. There are a few brands to choose from, unfortunately if you like thin sanitary pads you are in for a shock! However you may find the thicker padding to be supportive and protective. You can always pack ultra thins for when your blood loss slows. Pack enough for about 8-10 a day.Breast pads – You may not need these straight away as you will produce small amounts of colostrum for a few days, but by the time you go home your milk would have likely come in, so you will need a pack or two of breast pads. Milk usually comes in on around day three but can be more.Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, hairbrush, face washer, shaver (in case you want to shave your underarms!) and all the usual going away things. Use deoderant lightly, and perhaps not at all for the first 24 after birth so baby can get used to your unique smell.

FOR BABY
Nappies – It is worth checking what your hospital provides in terms of nappies. Some provide both disposable and cloth, some provide just cloth (meaning you will have to provide your own disposables) and some provide just disposables. If you need to bring your own nappies from home, pack more rather than less. If it is your first time changing a nappy, you may get into all sorts of messes trying to get the nappy on correctly. Putting on a nappy sounds so simple, but if you thought ‘pregnancy brain,’ was bad, just you wait for ‘new mummy brain’! So pack enough for 8 a day. If you run out, which is unlikely, you can always send friends or family out for more. If you are bringing cloth nappies, bring a plastic bag to place the nappies in. There are now bags available on the market now that are scented and work brilliantly keeping the smell inside the bag! They are quite cheap and available from supermarkets.Clothing – It is likely the hospital will provide some sort of clothing/gowns for baby, but if you wish to bring your own set of clothes, do make sure you have all the items clearly marked or named. Babies regulate their temperature with their heads, so hats or beanies are not necessary unless you are going outside, for a photo opportunity or if it is particularly cold. Socks and mittens generally don’t get too dirty, but are important, as babies usually have bad circulation to the hands and feet – they are almost always cold! Pack a pair per day. Vests or singlets are important to keep baby warm, so pack 1-2 vests per day. It isn’t a problem if the sizes are a bit bigger than you need, as vests get longer more than anything as the sizes go up. Growsuits and Wondersuits are brilliant. They are cheap, cover all of baby and some even have special cuffs so they can cover the hands as mittens.
In total, have about 2 outfits per day in case of any nappy leaks or spills. You can always send family or friends out for more clothing if you need it, or you could borrow the gowns provided by the hospital.Wipes, creams, lotions – The hospital will likely provide this also. Don’t rush out and spend money on all the lotions and creams out there, as many of them are highly fragranced and may irritate babies skin or cause a rash. For wipes, it is best to use cotton wool and water for a newborn. For other lotions and cleansers, BellyBelly recommends the Mi-Essence range, which are organic certified products (i.e. not just one or two organic ingredients), gentle enough for baby and can be used by the whole family. The products smell divine and work really well and you know you are putting the best possible things on your baby’s skin.

Bunny rugs / wraps – Pack one for each day. They may not get dirty at all, however when it comes to baby, it’s always better to have too many rather than too little!

Face washers / cloths – Even if you plan on using disposables, cloth nappies are the best thing out. You can use them over your shoulder when burping baby (to catch any possets or vomit), for placing under baby when you change them – so it’s a great idea to take a few with you where ever you go. Face washers may be sufficient for you in hospital and for bathing, but again is something the hospital will provide.

Bottle-feeding – If you are planning on bottle-feeding baby, the hospital will likely have everything you need, however you can check if you can bring your own. Most will also have bottle sterilisers already too.

Labour bag extras
Toilet paper – It’s a great idea to pack your own, extra soft toilet paper. It is bad enough going to the toilet somewhere with terrible toilet paper, but after you’ve had a baby, you’ll appreciate the extra softness.

Bendy Straws – Straws with bends in them to put in your drinks when things get serious are great – that way your support people can put the drink to your mouth and you only have to drink from the straw, without worrying about holding the bottle – it’s an essential!

Lip Gloss – Lips can get very dry in hospital and it’s nice to have moist lips during and after labour.

Tissues – Again, packing some extra soft tissues is a great labour bag extra. The tissues available with Aloe Vera are ideal, for any small spills, leaks, messes or anything else you might need tissues for, especially if your hospital doesn’t provide tissue boxes.

Entertainment for mum – Not like you will need any with a new baby, but if you like, pack your favourite magazines and books. Hospitals have rest times for new mums so if you can’t sleep because of the huge rush of adrenaline you get from labour, you can always relax with your favourite reading material!

Gentle Laxatives – You’ll need to check with your pharmacist/doctor about which brands are suitable, however it’s a great idea to consider – it’s common to be constipated after childbirth. Your bottom is a sensitive area which can be very sore after childbirth, so stool softeners can help. It’s important not to strain if you do become constipated as you may end up with a painful fissure (tear).

Diary / writing material – While it is fresh in your head, you might want to write down what you have experienced throughout your labour as a keepsake. Perhaps you would like to send out birth announcements or things like that, so pack some pens and paper!

Camera / Camcorder – If you plan on recording the birth or anything afterwards, pack your camera and camcorder. You may need to request permission to film during the labour, so check with your Obstetrician to see if he / she is okay with that, as well as the hospital.

Labour aids – It’s a great idea to have a bag packed separately with labour aids. This can include snacks for the birth partner (some might be fruitboxes, fruit, biscuits, dried fruits etc), some reading material, some massage oils for mum, essential oils and a burner (check with the hospital as you may only be allowed electric burners for safety reasons), something to wear for the birth partner. Other labour aids might include heat bags, a pillow from home, a birthing ball, relaxing music, visualisation pictures or other things you may think of.
i hope that helps a bit. good luck