Hospital Bag or Delivery Bag

A hospital bag or delivery bag is a pre-packed bag that expectant mothers prepare to bring with them to the hospital when they are close to their due date. It contains essential items for the hospital stay during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. The contents of a hospital bag varies depending on the necessity and the duration of the hospital stay and specific needs, which often include clothing, basic toiletries, medical documents, electronics, snacks and drinks, and nursing essentials. 

It is crucial to bring a hospital / delivery bag as it provides a feeling of preparedness for various scenarios. Labour and delivery can be a lengthy process, hence having a familiar and comforting items from home can help individuals feel more at ease during their stay. Apart from that, hospitals may not always provide the items needed during the stay, so it is convenient and make the entire process less stressful. 

When to Start Packing:

It’s generally recommended to start packing your hospital bag well in advance of your due date, which is the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. This provides ample time to gather the necessary items to ensure that everything is prepared without feeling rushed to the process. 

Starting to pack your hospital bag early also provides flexibility in case you need to add or remove items based on changing circumstances. Preparing your bag early ensures that you're prepared in case of early delivery. 

Some people prefer to have their hospital bag packed and ready to go by around 36 weeks of pregnancy, while others may choose to wait a bit longer. Ultimately, the timing of when to pack your hospital bag is a personal decision, but starting in the third trimester is generally a good guideline.

Bags Suited for Hospital Stay:

Choose a spacious, easily accessible bag. Many prefer a duffel bag or a small suitcase with wheels. Consider a separate bag for your partner's essentials.