What to pack in your hospital bag

Your pregnancy: weeks 28-31. Your baby and you are now in the final stretch. Changes in your body and your baby continue to take place as you enter your third trimester through to the end of pregnancy.

Did you know? The “superpowers” of breast milk for your baby (and you) cannot be underestimated—and pregnancy is the perfect time to prepare.

Here’s an outline that starts with your third trimester, and takes you right through to your upcoming labour.

Your pregnancy: weeks 23 – 27. Your baby develops movements that will later help it take its first whiff of air in the world, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. You may feel rhythmic movements which is your baby hiccupping.

You might think it’s too early to start planning for the big day, but it’s never too early to starting thinking about what kind of birthing experience will be the ideal one for you. 

Stress, hormonal upheaval, and a growing abdomen: all these factors can cause insomnia, nighttime dreaming and nightmares, resulting in fatigue and drowsiness during the day. To solve this problem, listen to your body!

Your house is about to become home to all kinds of firsts for your new family addition—make sure everyone can share every special moment in a safe environment where your baby can thrive!

Your pregnancy: weeks 32-35.  Your baby is still developing as you near the finish line and it’s mostly adding the finishing touches from here on out. He or she is getting ready to meet you!

Make sure your feeding plans don’t get overlooked in all the excitement of your new arrival.

Packing for the hospital is not quite as simple as packing for a weekend trip since you leave home pregnant, and return with an extra bundle of joy. Your baby will need some amenities and don’t forget your labour coach either. Here's what to pack for the hospital when having a baby.

Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very obvious… or not at all. In fact, there are as many different kinds of pregnancies as there are women

 

You’re expecting—what an exciting time! 

Since every day should build on the excitement you felt the moment you found out, here’s a checklist that focuses on the start of your amazing journey. It’s meant to put your initial pregnancy questions and concerns to bed, so you can look forward to all the thrills that lie ahead for you…and your baby! 

Your pregnancy: weeks 36 – 39.  It’s the final countdown to your baby’s grand entrance!

The key question to ask if you’re being tested for, or monitoring, gestational diabetes.

There are so many things to do before bringing baby home from the hospital. One thing is for certain, if you have a car, you’ll need a properly-installed rear-facing infant car seat to bring your baby home safely.

Your pregnancy: weeks 5-8. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is important during this stage. Good nutrition can positively influence your baby's growth and development. Around week 7, your baby has doubled in size already!

Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born

A lack of folic acid during pregnancy leads to higher risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Learn about supplementing with folic acid and how much you need.

Your pregnancy: weeks 9-13. Your silhouette still may not show your pregnancy, but you begin to feel that the baby is there. Around the 12th week is the time for the first ultrasound and where you can see your baby for the first time.