Pack the hospital bags
Pregnancy is gradually coming to an end. However, the last few weeks can be exhausting for expectant mothers, which is to be expected as belly size and weight gain reach their peak [1].
Emotions may also be running high. Excitement mixed with nervousness, or anxiety over health issues, can be overwhelming [2], so being extra considerate and caring with your partner might be in order. If you’re also feeling a bit overwhelmed, give your emotions a healthy outlet by exercising, taking walks, or doing focused breathing exercises.
If there are no medical contraindications, keeping active until childbirth is good for the mom-to-be. So think about taking those walks together. You can also help her do some light stretching, and suggest she spend a few minutes a day on the treadmill or stationary bike [3].
One thing you should check off your to-do list is packing for the hospital. Go over the list with your partner and offer to get anything that’s missing from the store. You can pack a medium-sized suitcase with everything she will need during her hospital stay and discharge, plus the stuff for the baby, or put things in separate bags. Remember also to do your own packing if the hospital allows you to stay overnight.
What exactly to put in each one depends on personal preferences and the hospital’s rules. Here are a few suggestions.
A small bag or compartment with documents (insurance papers, I.D., pre-filled hospital forms), phone with charger, wallet, pen and notebook, earphones, a deck of cards, a book, etc.
A suitcase or bag with personal items such as personal hygiene products, cosmetics, lip balm, lotion, hair brush, hair ties or headbands, a few pairs of socks (hospital rooms can get chilly), underwear, nursing bra, nice pajamas or robe, slippers, menstrual pads or incontinence pads for postpartum bleeding, shoes, and a full set of comfortable clothes for when you leave the hospital.
A baby bag with a few sets of soft and prewashed newborn clothes, a soft hat, socks, a baby blanket, baby products (lotion, diaper cream, baby wash), a baby hair brush and nail clipper, diapers, and baby wipes.
Your own bag should include a set of comfortable clothes to wear during labor, pajamas, slippers, underwear, toiletries, and clean clothes for your trip back home.
Check with the hospital to confirm if you can take food and beverages with you. If so, you can include nuts and dried fruits, granola bars, tea bags, bottled water, and convenient prepacked meals such as sandwiches.
