Packing a Hospital Bag
The estimated duration of pregnancy is 40 weeks but you are very likely to go into labour a week either side of this 40-week period i.e. somewhere between 39 and 41 weeks. To be on the safe side, have your bag packed and ready to go well in advance. Ensure that you have enough to get through a couple of days or more, depending on whether a partner/companion is available to get you more things, should you need them.
Here are some things you may need:
- Medical notes
- Flip flops - remember you will probably be sharing a bathroom with other women in labour.
- 24 large sanitary towels or maternity pads. Do not use tampons.
- Five or six pairs of old or disposable pants.
- Front-opening nightie or top (for breastfeeding). You will be given a hospital gown for labour and birth, which ties together at the back.
- Dressing Gown
- Two or three nursing bras (or ordinary bras if you're not breastfeeding). Your breasts will be much larger than usual so you will have to be measured beforehand. You can do this at a lingerie store, 8 weeks prior to your due date.
- Breast pads (in case your breasts are leaking)
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Flannel
- Soap/shower gel
- Towel
- Telephone or change for a public phone
- Book/magazines/personal stereo
- A loose comfortable outfit to wear the following day
- Two or three baby grows
- Hat and socks for the baby
- A couple of muslin cloths
- Approximately 10 nappies for the baby
- A bottle of mineral water
- Cartons of fruit juice
- Car seat - most hospitals will not discharge you and your baby unless you have a suitable carseat to take you baby home in