How soon to start packing for hospital?

[breakfastinbread]

At 31+ weeks, should I have had this done already?

This is first baby, but having a friend recently go into premature labour at 33 weeks, I'm worried that we could be horrendously underprepared if the same were to happen to me!

I think you know the answer already ??... Definitely get it done soon, separate bags for you and baby and then if you have to go into hospital for anything other than labour you can just grab yours.... You really don't want your DH/P to be packing for you!

Dont stress too much, it is unusual to go into labour at 33 weeks. It is a good idea to have a few bits ready to go if needed, but I don't think I had my bags packed last time until 35 ish weeks, and even then I kept putting things in and taking things out until we left for hospital at 42 weeks.

I packed about 36,37 weeks last time. This time I think I have everything in the house but haven't packed yet (nearly 36 weeks).

If you have an early baby they'll probably have to stay in hospital a while anyway, and picking up a few bits will be easily possible before they come home.

Also I am thinking maybe if I don't pack I can persuade the baby to turn up early :)