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Original poster

When to pack hospital bag?

21 replies

Unicorn234 · 20/01/2019 19:55

When did you lovely ladies start thinking about packing your hospital bag? I'm currently 27+5 so no plans to pack just yet. I was going to do it around the time I went on maternity leave which I would be just under 36 weeks but I keep reading and thinking about if he comes early, id be screwed! Lol TIA xx

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hammeringinmyhead · 20/01/2019 19:59

I did mine at about 35 weeks and went into labour at 38. I wouldn't want to leave it any later than 36 personally!

33goingon64 · 20/01/2019 20:02

Get DH or DP to pack it for you. You decide what you need and lay it all out. Then s/he packs it. Then they know where the thing is you're asking for when not able to look for it yourself.

Girlwiththearabstrap · 20/01/2019 20:02

Just whenever you want/have time. I was unexpectedly early with my first and didn't have it ready and I can honestly say it didn't cause massive amounts of stress sending my husband to get pyjamas/toothbrush/nappies, so you really won't be screwed if the baby comes early. With my second I packed it when I went on mat leave at 39 weeks. It's as much or as little of a job as you make it so just do whatever is going to make you feel best.

NatureGal · 20/01/2019 21:17

With Dc1 I packed my hospital bag at 36 weeks, he arrived 36+2, hadn't started maternity leave. With my others I packed it about 35 weeks will be doing similar this time.

Spooples · 20/01/2019 21:24

The hospital I'm booked at suggests around 35 weeks.

Willow4987 · 20/01/2019 21:25

Around 35 weeks but I had my list of what I wanted ready before so that worst case my DH could pack one from that list of the essentials etc

Belmo · 20/01/2019 21:37

I did mine at 38 weeks while on the phone to the labour ward after my waters had broken, wouldn’t recommend that!!
I’m going to pack it about 35 weeks this time.
Am also going to pack an extra in case we’re kept in bag, as last time we were unexpectedly in scbu for a few days and my dh was bringing us in absolute crap, it was ridiculous!

Endofrelationship · 20/01/2019 22:57

Last time I started at 36 weeks and finished in at 38- whilst in labour.

This time I got it done by 36 weeks, which was good, as I went in to labour at 37!

ZogTheOrangeDragon · 20/01/2019 23:03

I’d start packing the basics now. In the worst case scenario, and you end up in hospital tonight, you’ll need practical items as you will be going through labour. It’s far better to have your own things that you want and need straight to hand rather than panicking in an emergency or relying on somebody else to find or sort it out for you.

PennyMordauntsLadyBrain · 20/01/2019 23:07

I had mine packed with DC1 at 30 weeks- a friend who was due the week after me had an emergency c section at 28 weeks, and although everything was ok, I didn’t want to be caught on the hop.

This time- I’m 33 weeks and although I’ve got most of my supplies, I haven’t got round to it yet. Will probably sort it at 35 weeks.

Maybe start buying stuff now- every time you’re in boots pick up a pack of maternity pads or whatever. It’ll add up so you don’t have a massive list of things to buy in one go.

frazzledasarock · 20/01/2019 23:09

I had a list ready and pack kind by 36 weeks, there was some stuff I needed whichever took longer to get so I hadn’t really finished packing till 38 weeks.

I’d get bits together and add to the bag as I remember/get round to it.

WinterWife · 20/01/2019 23:15

Did mine at 30 weeks, forgot loads so did it again at 33/34 and still forgot things and packed too much of other things so did it again about 36 weeks 🙈

smellsofelderberries · 21/01/2019 03:44

I mostly have my bags packed and I'm 37 weeks tomorrow. Just need to pop the extra snacks in really! Packed it at 36 weeks.
Packed my bag with DD for 37 weeks, went into labour at 38+4.

HidCat · 21/01/2019 05:06

I'm 32 weeks and packed mine last week. Had an impromptu hospital admission that put the fear of God in me for an early delivery so made sure everything was in easy grab reach (kind of like a go bag you see in films where people are on the run lol). I've no doubt I'll check and repack it later in but if I get admitted again everything is ready.

TheSubtleKnifeAndFork · 21/01/2019 06:36

Like a PP I didn't finish packing mine until my waters broke at 38 weeks - definitely not recommended. This time it was packed by 36 weeks!!

Bobfossil2 · 21/01/2019 08:16

I packed mine at 34 weeks... by the time I actually went in to have her (42 weeks) the nightie I had bought etc was too small. So do just check it from time to time 🙈

CustardCreamLover · 21/01/2019 08:54

I'm 35 weeks and hadn't packed a bag and was admitted to hospital on Saturday for observation and steroid treatment. Baby could be here early so I hope they discharge me today so I can pack one for him! I've got nothing ready at all not even a bed for him yet so I'm kicking myself a bit now at how naive I was thinking he'd be late because he's my first!!

helloooomeee · 21/01/2019 10:08

Dc1 I packed at 39 weeks when my midwife said she could feel some tightenings. Woke up at 2am next morning in labour. Dc2 packed at around 35 weeks.

Now 30 weeks with DT's and very aware they may make an early appearance so everything is bought and will be packed in the next week or so once the nursery is ready.

snoopy18 · 21/01/2019 17:23

I’ve started to get my bits together today after some hospital visits this past week & being signed off from work. I’m at 31 weeks and plan to get it packed by end of next at least my stuff and baby stuff - snacks in a little while

Sexnotgender · 21/01/2019 17:27

I’m 40+2 and mostly packedGrin

Biancadelriosback · 21/01/2019 17:28

I planned to pack mine at 35 weeks but then I had DS at 34 so that buggered up my plan.

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