37 weeks to early to pack my hospital bag?

zandtmommy · February 2014

So is 37 weeks to nearly to pack my bag? What is a must have what can be left at home ?

Avion22 · February 2014

I'll probably start packing one around 34-35 weeks, but I won't put everything in it. I think we'll have enough time before leaving for the hospital to grab a the last few items. I just don't have enough of everything to keep it packed in a bag for weeks and weeks.

gobbo1985 · February 2014

37 weeks is a little late to back your bags. Mine were packed between 32-35. Anything can happen, and the last thing you want to be doing is running around trying to pack everything you need while having contractions at home.
My must haves, my own pillow, slippers, comfy robe, 2-3 pairs of comfy stretchy pants, nursing bras, 2-3 tops, my own towel (hospital ones suck) snacks, toiletries (and for DH). An eye mask so you can try to get sleep.

RedInLove · February 2014

You're considered full term, so I'd say pack those bags!

I'm just starting my 3Tri, so for now I'm starting a list for my bag, DH's bag, etc. But I plan on having the bags packed and in a convenient place by 35 weeks. My thought process is, if I could reasonably have the baby at this time, then my bags should be ready.

24karat · February 2014

RedInLove said:
You're considered full term, so I'd say pack those bags!

I'm just starting my 3Tri, so for now I'm starting a list for my bag, DH's bag, etc. But I plan on having the bags packed and in a convenient place by 35 weeks. My thought process is, if I could reasonably have the baby at this time, then my bags should be ready.

I always had my bags packed earlier than 35 weeks (I had 2 high risk pregnancies with PTL).

Just also want to note that 37 wks is NOT full term...39 is.

RedInLove · February 2014

kjkarats03 said:

You're considered full term, so I'd say pack those bags!

I'm just starting my 3Tri, so for now I'm starting a list for my bag, DH's bag, etc. But I plan on having the bags packed and in a convenient place by 35 weeks. My thought process is, if I could reasonably have the baby at this time, then my bags should be ready.
I always had my bags packed earlier than 35 weeks (I had 2 high risk pregnancies with PTL). Just also want to note that 37 wks is NOT full term...39 is.

According to my birthing class, they stated 37 weeks. Either way, OP should get packing.

Rrrrrachel · February 2014

It was recently changed to 39 weeks.

megs68 · February 2014

It's a bit early, but if it makes you feel better, go for it. Just don't look at the bag every day for the next 3-5 weeks anxiously or you'll go crazy!

LEIGHLOVE09 · February 2014

I packed my bag when my water broke with DD haha. However I had a list printed out with everything I wanted so I wouldn't forget. I found it hard to pack prior because I used a lot of the stuff on a day to day basis.

RedInLove · February 2014

Rrrrrachel said:

It was recently changed to 39 weeks.

savannah_girl said:

37-39 weeks is considered early-term. ACOG changed it earlier this year.

Thanks for the info, ladies! Seeing as how it's just February, I hope you don't hold it against me for not knowing yet LOL! It does seem like recommendations, guidelines, etc. change constantly, doesn't it?

iverske9 · February 2014

I just packed mine at 37 weeks and 3 days but this is my second and I was late with my first. I also realize I did not need half the stuff I brought the first time, LOL

jewels1199 · February 2014

I didnt have a bag packed when I needed to get to the hospital with DS at 36 weeks and seriously kicked myself for it. This time Im packing MUCH earlier.

HobokensFury · February 2014

My doctor told me to start at about 32 weeks. Of course I didn't listen and had to pack it in a hurry on Saturday when I had to make a trip to L&D and my dr. Told me to bring it just in case.

RebeccaY1 · February 2014

I'm 32 weeks and I'll probably start packing at 34 weeks. I won't have everything in it, but I will have a very exact list of what still needs to be packed. Since I live 5 minutes away from the hospital, I'm not too worried about having the entire bag packed.

Rrrrrachel · February 2014

I packed mine probably around 37 weeks the last time and went to 41+2. I swear everyday I was over due I added more stuff to that bag and ended up toting a ridiculous amount of crap with me.

hspringer91 · February 2014

I have a check list of things I can not pack right away and the sooner you have it packed sometimes makes you feel a little better i know i had mine packed weeks and weeks ago. But I this is my first time so I guess I am over ready.

bjgonzales1217 · February 2014

My water broke at 37 weeks as a Ftm. Anything can happen. I am a high risk pregnancy right now so at 28 weeks and pre term labor is about 99.9 percent chance to happen between 27 and 33 weeks with the birth defect my Son has. I have a few thigs already packed as well as DH does. Everything that isn't in the bag is on a list of things I need to grab out before I head out the door

jazzyexpo · February 2014

Definitely start packing! I'm 35 weeks and don't plan on packing it for another couple weeks or so.

One must have is Chapstick.

Khedges07 · February 2014

I'm almost 34 weeks & mine is half packed! I'll probably chuck essentials in last minute to be honest!
My must haves are the iPad, lip balm & snacks!

)

VeryBlessedMom · February 2014

Pack those bags! DD was here 36w6d:)

WashingtonQueen · February 2014

RedInLove said:

Rrrrrachel said:

It was recently changed to 39 weeks.

savannah_girl said:

37-39 weeks is considered early-term. ACOG changed it earlier this year.

Thanks for the info, ladies! Seeing as how it's just February, I hope you don't hold it against me for not knowing yet LOL! It does seem like recommendations, guidelines, etc. change constantly, doesn't it?

It was changed last year.

37 weeks is a little on the late side but that doesn't really matter since you haven't gone into labor. Just make sure you get it done because it's a PITA to do during labor.

fbclena · February 2014

Never too early…I'm almost 29 weeks and I just packed my hospital bag (still working on baby's bag). I like to be prepared; plus, you never know if for some reason you will deliver earlier than the due date. :-)

mrshbr · February 2014

I have beeen having so many complications I am starting to pack mine slowly now. Doctors says DS will be early for sure!!! I am only 27 weeks...

tjkdlhb · February 2014

I'm gonna pack mine at about 34-35 weeks. They started inducing me at 37 weeks-4 days last time.

allisshiney · February 2014

I never thought about a bag. I'm planning a home birth but if things dont go as planned I had better be ready. Thanks for this post!

BC&LM · February 2014

I didn't pack my bag until I was going in for what turned out to be an early induction (and then C section when that failed) due to my preeclampsia. It only took my husband and I a few minutes, no big deal. It would have been nice to save that time, though, so I would say if you are ready, go ahead and pack it.

ETA:

Must haves--
-good camera and its charger
-pillows (can't stress this enough; hospital ones suck)
-flip flops or sandals (gross hospital floors and your feet will probably swell post-partum)
-granny panties
-wipes (our hospital provided diapers and cloths to wet for wipes, but I preferred pre-moistened wipes)
-nursing pillow
-phone charger
-outfits for you and baby to wear home
-toiletries (hospital ones suck)
-insurance card
-car seat
-snacks for hubby/SO or change for vending machines

Leave home--
-diapers (provided by hospital)
-pads (provided by hospital)
-valuable jewelry

maelic · February 2014

I always feel like such a slacker with these threads, I'm 33w and we don't even have a car seat yet.

If I were to pack a bag right now I'd have, uh, maybe chapstick to put in there.

Brandyjean30 · February 2014

I'm 28 weeks and started putting things in the crib that I want to pack. I'll probably get it all in a bag around 36 or 37 weeks because I had DD at 38+1.

So far my list of what to pack is as follows:

For Baby

Boppy

Snuggly Blanket

Pacifier

Swaddle-Me

2 outfits

mittens

socks

For Me

Camera + Charger

Phone + Charge

Nursing Bra

Nursing Shirt (2)

Black loose fitting pants (2)

Nipple Shields (I had trouble with nursing last time)

Lanolin

Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap/Deodorant/toothbrush/etc

Chapstick

Gum

flip flops

Big Sister Kit for DD1

Nursing Cover

For DH

Sweats

Basketball Shorts

2 T-Shirts

Underwear

Toiletries

Kindle + Charger

Snacks

I'm not bringing underwear because the mesh ones they provided were GLORIOUS! I'm also not bringing feminine products because the huge ones they provided worked well for me. Diapers also weren't necessary because they gave me a pack. Over time I think my list will change. My experience with DD 1 was a c/s with 3 days in the hospital. I'm hoping for a VBAC this time and I don't want to over or under pack.

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