When did you pack your hospital bags?

[StaceImpactWfan]

Hi all. When did you pack your hospital bags? I'm 29 weeks tomorrow and although I know its early. I have this niggle that I need to pack it ASAP.

Pack it while you have the energy to get it packed. All of a sudden you are going to be exhausted.

I’m 39 wks today- it’s pretty well packed- ish. I finally did mine at 37 wks. I’ve had a baby before though so know that worst case my husband can go and get stuff etc.

@OhioOhioOhio I'm already exhausted as have severe anaemia, I think that's another reason I want to get it done as if it gets worse I need to have transfusions etc.

@OnlyFoolsnMothers yeah this is baby 3 for me and I waited literally till last minute to pack but this time round I feel like I need to do it ASAP for some reason. Maybe I just want to be organised or its the above reason.

In labour at 40+6, probably best not to follow my example

Are you on tablets for your anaemia?
I would say if worried at least write the list now so worst case your partner can put everything together

39+6 when I had to go in for reduced movements. It really doesn’t take long.

When I went into labour on the way out of the door, but that's probably not advisable!

I've been gathering stuff for the last couple of weeks, and should be ready to properly pack the bags next Saturday when I'll be 34 weeks.

The only things that I'll leave are snacks and drinks. OH can do that when the time comes

I packed mine with both pregnancies around 34 weeks but if you want to pack earlier then go for it . No harm done and you’ll only have less energy the further into your pregnancy you are anyway !

Packed mine during labour after my waters suddenly broke. 37+4. Not ideal so if you feel like you want to pack it now, do it.

Packed mine yesterday at 36+1. I am having an ELCS so know I will be going in at exactly 39 weeks. Probably a bit later than last time but have so much more going on this time.

Last time I was still putting stuff in as I was in labour.

This time pretty much all done at 35 weeks.

I've been prescribed iron tablets and if they don't work withing the next month I may need transfusions.

So in my head I feel like it's best to pack earlier than later in case.

Yeah last time I was adding bits whilst in labour and forgot stuff so just want to be organised. Thanks for the replies everyone.

If you have basics, first outfit, hat, nappies, your clothes, toiletries etc then just make a little bag, atleast you know where it is, you can then sort 'hospital bag' out nearer the time.
I had mine out and repacked it about 5 times at 4am with DD1 haha

Actually that isn't a bad idea @GAW19 . Her changing bag will be here tomorrow so I'll pack a few bits in there then do the rest nearer the time.

I packed mine by 30 weeks and gave birth at 34 so I’m glad I did it early!

Not quite on topic, but have you tried spatone? I was severely anemic and took the prescribed iron tablets for weeks. My levels stayed the same. Spatone really helped them. It's meant to be easier to absorb. And doesn't have so many unpleasant side effects.

Packed mine at 36 weeks after being pestered by my dp and dm, good job I did as went into labour at 37+2 and it took 2 hours from start to baby being here so definitely wouldn't have had time to pack on the way out the door! May aswell pack while you feel you have the energy, good luck! X

@Tomatoandbasil thats lucky. I think I'm worrying baby will be early and I don't know why as my first came at 40+3 and second at 38+5 .

@KinderWild no I haven't. I'll look into it, thank you.

Thank you @daimbar2030

I packed mine at 32, had baby at 39

Just started packing at 33+5. I know what you mean about an urge- I have a 'to-do' list of things that are constantly at the back of my mind (like washing newborn clothes and organising drawers, sorting the car seat etc) and I think I will just keep stressing until they are all ticked off the list 🙈 some things do feel a bit early to be doing, but I think I would feel so much better if they were just done and I then didn't have to worry about them!

I'm putting a list of last minute things to add later into my hospital bag (like baby's clothes once they've been washed and snacks and my toothbrush etc), that'll at least help me feel organised 🙈

I packed mine whilst in labour at 40+9 - I don’t recommend this approach. I was a bit distracted and a lot of important stuff got forgotten!!!

Never got the chance to.

Bought everything at 35+6 with the intention of packing at 36+3 (first day of maternity leave). Proteinuria and borderline high BP was picked up at 36 week appointment, bloods taken. Pre-eclampsia confirmed at 36+1, admitted to hospital then and there. I didn't see my home again until 10 days later after I'd had my baby. Poor DH had to keep bringing stuff in until he got it right.

Never again. I'll probably have a bag packed immediately after the anomaly scan next time.

@Dyra oh no what an experience. Yeah I know what you mean. I think I'm just going to pack the essentials when her bag comes today and then pack the rest nearer the time. I don't know why I just have this niggle that she's going to be early for some reason.