Hospital bag – what to pack before delivery?

Proven content

The hospital bag that is packed before the planned birth is one of the main elements of preparation for the birth of a baby. Many future mothers wonder when to start packing, what to pack for themselves, and what will be useful for a baby? Therefore, we suggest what to pack in the hospital bag before delivery.

Hospital bag – when to prepare it?

Each expectant mother plans her preparations for childbirth differently. However, we encourage you to start preparing the bag for the hospital at the end of the 7th month of pregnancy. Why so early? The answer is simple. The list of things needed for the hospital is very long and quite detailed. In addition, each hospital has its own guidelines on what the expectant mother should have on her own. Therefore, it is worth checking the requirements of the hospital where the delivery is planned. The remaining two months of pregnancy can be used to do additional tests and buy items that are still missing. When packing the bag for the hospital, it is worth dividing things into those that will be useful before childbirth and those necessary after childbirth. It will also be easier to divide the accessories for mum and baby. If a family childbirth is planned, it is worth showing the future dad exactly where specific things are. It’s a way of avoiding chaos and minimizing stress before childbirth.

Hospital bag – documents

In the bag to the hospital prepared before delivery, there must be appropriate documents that constitute the basis for admission to the ward. Remember to pack your ID card, any proof of insurance, pregnancy record, and a referral to the hospital. The last document is not required, but just in case it is worth taking it with you.

Hospital bag – test results

When packing the bag for the hospital, remember about the results of tests performed during pregnancy. It is best to sort them in a briefcase, which can be easily put into a packed bag. The test results that may be useful in the hospital before delivery are usually:

1. blood group and Rh factor;
2. recent urine morphology and examination;
3. HBS performed after 32 weeks of pregnancy or certificate of hepatitis B vaccination;
4. WR reaction – test done at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy;
5. the result of the last ultrasound examination;
6. HIV test result;
7. vaginal and anal atrium culture for Streptoccocus agalactiae;
8. other tests or medical consultations important from the point of view of the course of pregnancy.

Hospital bag – things for mom

Items that are packed in a hospital bag should be divided into those that will be useful before delivery and those that will be used after delivery.

Necessary items before and during childbirth:

1. clothes – nightgown, T-shirts, bathrobe, warm socks, slippers, sweater or sweatshirt;
2. disposable diapers or larger pads;
3. disposable wipes
4. elastic bands, headbands, hairpins, especially for long hair;
5. hygiene accessories and toiletries – hair comb, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, face wash tonic, paper towels, toilet paper, towel;
6. something to eat and drink (usually still water with a mouthpiece, dark chocolate);
7. a book or newspaper to read while you wait
8. plates, cutlery, drinking cup;
9. hot water bottle for pain;
10. moisturizing lipstick;
11. little money.

Necessary after childbirth:

1. shirt with a slit, convenient for feeding;
2. 5-6 pairs of panties, preferably disposable, mesh;
3. postpartum pads;
4. nursing bras, nursing pads;
5. only a rose;
6. mobile phone, charger or powerbank.

Hospital bag – things for the baby

The hospital bag should also contain things for the newborn baby. The bag should contain:

1. disposable diapers of the smallest size;
2. cloth diapers;
3. cotton t-shirts;
4. cotton thin hats without a tie;
5. rompers and jackets;
6. socks and gloves;
7. cosmetics – anti-chafing cream, wet wipes;
8. blanket and swaddle;
9. octenisept for the care of the navel;
10. sterile gauze pads.