To be 35 weeks pregnant with no packed bags?

[stormytherabbit]

I am 35 weeks pregnant and booked for a csection at around 39 weeks.

I haven't packed my own nor baby's bag yet. AIBU? I am getting a hard time from DH and my Dfriends.

I just don't know what to pack!!

Gave birth at 35 weeks and hadn't prepared anything, but OH could go to 24hr supermarket and we live a few mins from hospital...

The baby is coming regardless of whether you pack your bag or not!

If it makes you feel anxious why not delegate the job to your DH?

My advice for post c-section is really big pants (granny style) you don't want anything that sits anywhere near your bump)

I packed at 41 weeks. I like living dangerously.

From experience, get a bag packed now... ;)

I had the flu at the end of my last pregnancy and didn't have my bags packed when I went into labour. I had a very fast labour and never again do I want to be packing a hospital bag in between 3min apart contractions and screaming for hubby to get the 2 year old ready for my parents to take. No big deal if you forget stuff people can bring it in for you, as did my lovely sis.

Yes yes yes to flop flops slippers massive knickers (I was wearing size 24 knickers usually a size 16!) And phone charger. I brought a book,puzzle books etc but had no time for any of it. In agonising labour then baby there so no time for reading haha.

Hi,
my dd arrived 2.5 weeks early in the middle of the night. I didn't have a bag packed. DH had to do it after my waters broke and I was screaming in pain. He didn't pack the most up to date hospital notes as I changed hospitals midway through the pregnancy and when we got to the hospital they wanted to send him home to get the new ones. DD was born 40 minutes after we arrived there.
Pack your bag now!!
In case you're wondering how I managed to sleep through most of labour the tens machine was very successful.

I definitely recommend dark pjs, white cotton turned out not to be good idea.

I didn't pack mine - was planning to do it on my first day of mat leave at 37.5w.

I went into labour the day I left work and ended up packing at 2am in the early stages of labour. TBH it didn't do any harm!

I haven't packed. But will start it this evening. Am 35 weeks....

The time it's taken you to write this thread and reply you could of packed it ;-)
I know what you mean about it being daunting ..I didn't have a clue what to take

With DD1 & DD2 I didn't pack until 37 weeks as they were really boring textbook pregnancies which I knew I would go overdue with, and I did. With DD3 there were lots of complications and I had a bag of sorts packed from 24 weeks, the contents just kept changing the further on I got. Made it to due date in the the end.

I wouldn't feel too rushed unless there's a chance you could go earlier than that. I would pack a bag for you and one for baby. Pack some spare carrier bags in there to separate soiled clothing. Snacks and reading material too. I wouldn't take too much but maybe have a backup bag at home with extra underwear and nighties for you and bodysuits and sleepsuits for baby in case you have to stay longer. I didn't trust my DH's packing abilities.

I always travel light so for me it was basic toiletries including sanitary pads obvs perfume lippy and as I done normally wear anything in bed I bought a couple of stretchy larger nightie slips from - for the baby I took ' my tit' breastfeeding bra and pads to catch the drops , baby all in ones , gloves , hat - I think that was it - o and a mobile , charger and purse

I packed the most ridiculous things in mine, I think I thought I was going on some sort of spa retreat 😂. Barely used any of it, literally didn't open my bag before she was born. I even had an extra bag in the car with extra clothes (and snacks!) in that DH could have gone to get if needed, and a whole extra case at home in case I needed to stay in even longer and DH could just grab it from home! I only did that at 39 weeks though- I remember worrying in the weeks before that that I hadn't done it- but somehow not being able to make myself- I felt much better when it was packed. Just get a little hand luggage bag OP and fling a few things in there- I think you will feel better when it's done! Good luck

Your purple book should have a list on page 10-ish with a realistic list.

Primark for giant knickers. Amazon for scar-friendly high waisted maternity trousers, and try the "Happy Mama" brand on Amazon for button-down nighties that look BF-friendly. Snacks from whatever supermarket you usually like, though Aldi have fab breakfast bar type things that are quick and tasty to eat if you're short of inspiration.

I didn't enjoy the packing, but at 38 weeks now am glad it's done.

@RoseGoldEagle me Too!!! God only know what I was packing for. A weeks holiday so much stuff!!

Right I'll get a bag sorted maybe this weekend. I just haven't had the 'this is a right of passage!' feeling about packing the bags. I have such bad depression that I am scared I'll get it all wrong.

Thanks ladies: you've made me feel a bit better.

OP you can't get it wrong. You could go into labour and bring nothing and be absolutely fine. Dont worry, you're going to be a brilliant mum

You really don't need very much - whatever the baby needs, pyjamas, pants & sanitary towels. Someone can always bring things in for you.

Come on Woman, get on with it.

FriendA had Nothing ready at home so naturally baby came suddenly at 32 weeks & her husband had to choose everything hastily.
FriendB was pregnant at same time & then rushed out to get stuff so she didn't get stuck with her DH's choices; 10 days later baby arrived (about 33 weeks gestation).

Neither Friend was supposed to be at risk for early delivery.

With my second DC, I finished packing mine the evening of 40+6, I woke up a few hours later in labour

Definitely get packing, I always found it really boring and didn't even use much of what I packed anyway but it's always better to have it done then not

I packed mine around 36wks... and I was having planned home births! Lol. Also sorted out stacks of towels and waterproof sheets about then too.

Was good having everything to hand immediately afterwards 🙂.

I packed at 38.5weeks under pressure from midwife and DH. Did the bag in a few minutes, it's worth to have it ready though. I realised I didn't need half of it, though. I'd recommend to do two bags: one with things you won't need until after the birth, leave it now in the car. One with what you'll need during or before birth.

After: change clothes, babysuits, all-in-ones, baby blanket, make up bag, maternity pads, knickers, brush, towel, dressing gown, etc.

Before / during: snacks, drinks, mobile charger, mp3/ music, tablet with Netflix, change for parking, etc.

The last thing you want to do when in labour is to carry around a suitcase. DH or whoever is with you during labour can be in charge of taking it upstairs. You just take stuff you want with you from the start. That way, if you need to be left at the hospital door whilst DH finds parking (or arrives from work!), you won't have to drag a big bag around.

I was due an ELCS at 39+3 and was in no rush to pack bags. My friends and family were aghast that at almost 38 weeks I still hadn't even thought about it. I got a little slap on the wrist from my Midwife at my 38 week appointment and she made me promise to go home and pack my hospital bags.

I did as I was told and it was a bloody good job I did really as I then went into labour naturally 4 days later.

I kept forgetting to pack with number two and ended up running round the supermarket the day before my elcs at 39+4.

It's better to pack sooner.

My baby arrived at 34 weeks after my waters broke overnight.

Nothing bad will happen by not having it packed, but it means relying on your partner to pack your bag for you if anything happens!