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Original poster

How soon before due date did you pack hospital bag?

29 replies

wowiesis111 · 05/05/2015 12:19

I'm due in 8 weeks and people keep telling me they think I'll be early ( not sure what they are basing their opinions on though)
Should I pack bag now?

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AbbeyRoadCrossing · 05/05/2015 12:23

It's up to you but you might as well. I went in at 35 with no bag so will be packing early this time! The hospital have everything but it's nice to have your own stuff and not have to explain to DP / DH where everything is and what to buy!

FernGullysWoollyPully · 05/05/2015 12:23

I think I was packed from about 35 weeks. 37 weeks is considered 'term' so I figured at 35 weeks, I was only 2 weeks away from the beginning of the end! Went over with them all though Grin

HelenF350 · 05/05/2015 12:23

I'm 32+1, mine has been packed for weeks. I am known for being overly organised though. Grin

JugglingLife · 05/05/2015 12:24

Having had an unexpected premie at 33 weeks I'd say to pack it! I hadn't even got around to buying big knickers so spent 10 days in hospital wearing DH's boxer shorts. You've been warned. Wink Good luck!

YouMakeMyHeartSmile · 05/05/2015 12:25

Packed mine while I was in labour Smile. I was in labour for 48 hours though so it gave me something to do! Then didn't use anything out of it as we were discharged 3 hours after DD was born!

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 05/05/2015 12:29

Juggling same here! Although DH helpfully brought my white, expensive wedding knickers. The midwives thought it was hilarious and one kept saying 'sexy knickers' and laughing. So yeah... better to pack your bag yourself Wink

JugglingLife · 05/05/2015 12:31

It wasn't great Abbey. Roll forward 13 years and i'm still harbouring resentment that nobody bought me fucking knickers!

Whatabout · 05/05/2015 13:24

I did mine at 38 or 39 weeks last time.

What I wish I had packed was a go bag for readmittance, that happened at 5 days and DH brought me random stuff and no maternity towels. Stitches became badly infected! I'd keep a small bag packed for two weeks post natal, I know lots of people that have gone back with no time to go home!

Lily1995 · 05/05/2015 13:44

I've just finished mine, I think. I've got 8 days till my due date.

Original poster
wowiesis111 · 05/05/2015 14:28

Thanks ladies.
I'll pack mine ASAP then. I've got most of what I think I'll need but I can't remember all the bits I took last time. Aside from the obvious , any tips as to what to pack / not pack?

OP posts:
Artandco · 05/05/2015 14:34

I probably packed from around 30 weeks as I bought the items so they were in bag ready. Actually organised and finished bits around 36 weeks

Superlovely · 05/05/2015 14:37

DS was born 4 weeks early so I was really pleased I had packed my bag, and we had to leave very quickly. However, because he was early none of the baby clothes fitted.
I would pack some baby nighties which will fit babies of varying sizes and a very big bar or chocolate.
Good luck.

Artandco · 05/05/2015 14:37

Oh and I didn't pack hundreds of nightwear and was glad as I actually felt great after and wouldn't have wanted to just sit around in pjs. Took x2 breastfeeding nighties and leggings I could wear together if needed and overnight, but otherwise packed maternity/ nursing dresses that were comfy but looked good, and wore with leggings. Meant easy feeding baby, and when nurses said I could go home suddenly I was already dressed so just added boots and left without having to faff about getting dressed.

trilbydoll · 05/05/2015 14:38

I packed my stuff for mine when I got to the point that even if something terrible happened, I was still going to give birth. I didn't put the baby related bits in until due date though!

allgoodthings84 · 05/05/2015 14:47

I packed at 36 weeks. I'm 38 weeks tomorrow and doubt I will be early but at least I know it's all packed ready and after tomorrow (last day at work before maternity) I can relax as everything is done

Fattycow · 05/05/2015 15:02

I started packing my labour basket at 30 weeks. I'm 31+4 now and nearly done.

Original poster
wowiesis111 · 05/05/2015 15:28

Ooooh pls share what's in your bags. With caring for a two year old , baby brains and general 'day to day' I can't help but think I'll forget some vital things. ....

OP posts:
Droflove · 05/05/2015 16:54

I oacked at 39 weeks on my first, don't know why I was so laid back. Went into labour the next night. I'd like to say I had some foresight but actually just my bits and pieces were on the spare bed and visitors were coming.

Misty414 · 05/05/2015 18:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

franksidebottom · 05/05/2015 21:09

im 36 +3 and im packed. just need to put some toiletries in that im still using such as toothbrush, hairbrush etc. ive written a list and put it next to my bag so if I'm in a panic when labour starts I can just read of the list quickly and not have to think!

westcountrywoman · 05/05/2015 21:17

I packed my bits by about 28-30 weeks. I didn't bother packing baby bits until 36 ish weeks as I figured that before then, nappies and clothes would be too big anyway.

ch1134 · 05/05/2015 21:53

Not soon enough. I was told as it was my first I'd 'probably go over' and imagined the first part of labour would be a good time to pack. But at 38 weeks labour started and it was so painful straight away that I couldn't think about packing. I'll do it properly this time, at about 36 weeks!

originalusernamefail · 05/05/2015 21:55

40+2 Blush. Not known for my organisation me..........

Rebecca1608 · 05/05/2015 21:56

I've got my case packed. I'm almost 32 weeks pregnant i packed around 30 weeks got 4 weeks left (twins) but i had been told i could go at any time after 30 weeks and tbf OH wouldn't have a clue what to pack.

comeagainforbigfudge · 05/05/2015 21:57

I've made a half-hearted attempt at packing mine. 34+4 but tbh I don't even think I've put very useful things in.

Will probably repack next week!