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What to pack for the maternity hospital
hospital bag · maternity bag checklist · what to bring for labor · birth bag
This is a list of things to take to the maternity hospital for you and your baby. It is best to pack your bag ahead of time.
The bag is usually packed by 36 weeks, or earlier if there is a risk of early birth.
⏱ Duration: packing usually takes one evening; the bag is for 2 to 5 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Documents. Your ID, your pregnancy record, and your insurance or referral, if needed.
- For you. A robe, a nightgown, slippers, underwear, pads, toiletries, and a phone charger.
- For your baby. Newborn diapers, clothes, a hat, socks, and clothes for going home that suit the season.
- Hospital rules. Get your hospital's list ahead of time: what you can and cannot bring.
What to bring
- Your documents and pregnancy record
- Things for you
- Things for your baby
- Your regular medicines and a list of them
- Your phone and charger
How it goes
- Get your hospital's list
- Pack things into three bags: for the delivery room, for your room, and for going home
- Put your documents in a separate folder
- Check that everything is labeled
- Put the bag by the door
- Tell your family where it is
What you'll feel
- Packing helps you feel calmer, with less rush when labor starts
Afterwards
- You can leave the going-home things at home. Someone can bring them
- Before you leave, check your documents and phone
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Regular contractions, leaking fluid, or bleeding: go to the maternity hospital or call emergency services
- Your baby is moving much less
Common questions
When should I pack my bag?
Usually by 36 weeks. If your doctor mentions a risk of early birth, earlier.
What is most important to bring?
Your documents and pregnancy record. Your family can bring the rest.