I had the most horrendous stomach cramps at 4am, which really had me going for about 15 minutes untill I realised the pain was far to close together for it to be contractions and it was probably wind!! Once I'd been the loo they stopped immediately, but they scared the crap out of me and I'm not packed or anything.

So this next week I'm going to get my nighties and stuff washed and start putting things in a bag, and make a list for the rest of the stuff I need.

I'm only 31+2, am I abit premature in getting stuff together? Has anyone else started?

No harm in being prepared hun, that way it won't be such a panic when it all kicks off for real!!

I'm not necessarily packing a bag as planning a home birth but will have a small holdall standing by just in case

im only 28+5 and started to pack my bag last week after a scary night of bh every couple of hours and feeling generally not right (thought baby might have been trying to make a very early apperance) just got to put a couple of night dresses slippers and dressing gown in now hopefully i wont have to use it for a good few weeks yet but theres no harm in being prepaired i was going to pack mine at about 32 weeks anyway

emma xx

i dont know when to pack either but i think i know what you mean the other day i was same untill i went to loo. i dont no what bag to take i have a small suitcase will it be ok to take that? or will i look stupid???? when is the bast time to pack??? thanks and good luck every1. katie 30+4wks xxx

I have been thinking this too, i have brought everything now for mine and the babys bag just have to pack it. I'm just not sure when to do it, i'm only 30 weeks. This is my fourth and you would think i would know...lol. But like Mummyx5 said theres no harm in being prepared. Now my 3 children have gone back to school i may do it this week coming for something to do.

Hi, I've practically finished packing my bag! I'm busy sorting out stuff to sell on eBay, give to charity, offer on freecycle.org or save for a carboot!
I've packed away all my clothes that don't fit too. So packing my bag was a way of getting stuff in the right place to free up room elsewhere! lol! My sisters fella said to night you've got ages to go yet, why have you packed?! lol!
Washed all the baby clothes yesterday & dried them in the tumble drier cuz of the constant rain (bang goes my energy saving!) - they look so tiny!
My sister brought down a bb changer unit being sold in Leeds I bought off eBay (she lives in Leeds & I'm in Crewe, Cheshire) - I'm always looking at what's for sale in Leeds so she can pick it up! lol! I can't wait to get it up stairs & in our room so I can put all the nappies etc on it ready!
I think I just need slippers, pen, notepad & a thermo mug to put in my bag now & the bb clothes...nothing like being ready!lol! & as I'm seriously lacking in oxygen at the mo I'd best get it done until I've got no puff left!
xxx

Ive packed my bag today as in hospital every 2 days for monitoring due to lo not growing and could be taken in any time its a bit scary wasnt planning on doing it for another few weeks a im only 30 plus 6 best to be prepared though lol xxxx

Katie - chk with ur maternity dept at the hospital hun, some places have size restrictions on bags coz of limited space.

Due to infection control you probably won't be allowed to have your bag under the bed (so they can clean as well!) and will be expected to fit it in the locker. I'm taking a soft holdall, so when its unpacked it can be squashed down to fit

I have bought a bag already and have started laying things out in preperation! I am 32 weeks. I have about a million things for the baby and nothing for me yet! But I figure I may as well pack it now to be organised. Plus then even if I have the basics out, my oh will know whatto bring in a hurry.

Is anyone taking bottles and how many nappies will you take? I need to buy pads and things too - how can they put a restriction on bag size when there is so much to take?!

Hay i got a while to go till baby due but thought she was coming early but was only brixton hicks as i havent experienced them before. realised i had nothing ready for hospital wise so this week im starting to pack everythink i need just incase baby decided to make an early entrence to teh world

x x x x

Hi, I won't be taking bottles as I'll be BF'ing but have remembered my Lansinoh nipple cream this time - last time I forgot & boy did I know about it! If you'll be FF'ing then at my hospital they provide you with premade bottles of formula so no need to take any bottles/formula etc.

For bb - I've packed 1 small pack of nappies, some wipes (as even though they tell you to use water they didn't provide anything to put it in & I had to use a cardboard lady wee wee tray last time, felt very wrong! lol!), 5 babygros, 3 vests, couple of hats, scratch mits, bibs (to catch sick!) & I'll be adding an outfit & snowsuit for going home in & a toy.

For me - I've packed 2 packs of maternity pads...last time I packed 1 pack & had to phone mum & dad (who were coming to visit & ask my dad to buy some more on way to ozzy! ) I was in longer than expected, nipple cream, snacks (cuz I starved last time), disposable camera (freebie from Boots parent club) incase we forget digital one like last time! & other stuff, just remembered I need to pack bath towels!
xxx

thanks mummyx5, its only small anyway, and ive been told by my midwife that social services mite want me to stay in for a couple of days due to me being 17. i might just buy 1 to be honest. thanks agn xx

What sort of stuff would you recommend bringing?

started buying stuff for my bag, but not started packing yet.

Our hospital provided nappies and associated stuff last time. I don't know if they do that anymore i need to find out.
Nappies can take up a hell of a lot of room in your bag so a bag restriction is stupid.
Add the fact you never know how long you are going to be in you need to take extra stuff just in case, or have another bag ready at home that someone can bring for you if you need it.

Hiya,

Does anyone no how to get old posts up? I remember seeing a good one about what to pack in the hospital bags a few weeks ago but i cant find it now.

I need to get it all sorted as my EDD hs changed again

<a href="http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"><img src="http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev288pp___.png" alt="pregnancy week by week" border="0" /></a>

What to take with you will depend on how long u 'plan' to stay in hospital. Obviously there may be a hitch and u end up staying in longer for whatever reason but, based on how I did the 1st 2 times, I would say (for roughly a 2 day stay)......

FOR BABY

5 body suits (bear in mind, 1st 1 will get dried blood on it as even thou babies are cleaned up, there's always bits they miss!)
5 or 6 sleepsuits (again, 1st 1 will get messy plus baby mite be a bit sick)
2 pairs of mittens
2 hats (1st will get messy coz of blood etc in their hair)
1 cardigan as you won't want them wrapped up indefinitely lol
cpl of muslins (last longer than bibs, more uses etc)
1 pk of nappies
cotton wool balls and a sml tupperware tub for putting warm water in (they really don't like u using wipes - wot u do once home is up to u lol)
Outfit for going home in
Warm coat and blanket or all-in-one snowsuit type thingy
Warm hat (the hoods never cover their heads very well when they're little!)

FOR YOU

Labour & birth

Loose nightie, socks (even when warm, feet tend to get cold), slippers, tens machine if using, flannel for wiping face, drinks and snacks for both you and partner, camera, pack of cards/puzzle book - something to while away time if progressing slow or have an epidural (found by being distracted things progressed quite quickly sometimes as I wasn't constantly thinking about what was happening), 1-2 pks maternity towels.

After birth

2 nighties (easy access opening if planning to breast)
Shampoo/conditioner/shower gel/flannel
Hair brush
Towel
Big knickers (far more comfy than disposables - use old ones or cheapy ones as will more than likely get thrown away!)
Breast pads (for leakages)
Comfy bra (breastfeeding one if necessary)
Dressing gown or large cardi
Going home clothes!!
Birth Announcements......I took some in to hospital with me and was glad I did as there were times when baby was sleeping and I was not tired so enjoyed filling in all the particulars on the announcements!! Don't forget address book to if you do decide to do them thou lol

CAR SEAT for taking baby home by car (inc a taxi!!).

Obviously, this is just a personal guide and we're all different but hope it gives you ladies a rough idea of what's what.

I did mine a few weeks ago, due to being pregnant with Twins, and the possibility that they could be early. Put in all the basics, have it in spare bathroom and when I think of anything I may need put it in my bag. Also need to pack a bag for my son as we will need to drop him off with someone.

30+5 with ID boys and mummy to Luke 13 months