Be prepared for your hospital stay while waiting to deliver your baby. Make your hospital stay as comfortable and convenient for yourself as possible by packing your hospital survival bag in advance.
There is nothing like knowing you are fully prepared and well-equipped to give you confidence and peace of mind that you are ready. One of the most useful pregnancy tips for your delivery day is to pack in advance for your hospital stay. Having everything you need will make it much easier to relax and be as comfortable as possible, and calmly wait for your new baby to make his or her grand entrance.
Do not wait until the last few weeks, assuming you will have time to get your packing done before your big day. That can leave you nervously scrambling to throw a few things in a bag at the last moment, while you and your baby need you to feel calm and unburdened.
Manage your delivery day by preparing your hospital bag in advance, at about 34 weeks into your pregnancy. Use the list below to help you pack your hospital bag, so that you can grab and go when the time comes to deliver your new baby.
1. Important Documents
- Driver’s license or other photo ID
- Health insurance card
- Required hospital documents (if any)
2. Your Birth Plan
If you have made any special birthing arrangements, take written instructions with you.
3. Eyeglasses
If you wear glasses, make sure they make it into the bag.
4. A Soft Pillow
Having your own pillow can be very relaxing. And, it prevents problems with potentially uncomfortable hospital pillows. Bring one for your partner, too, if needed for an overnight stay.
5. Sleepwear and Underwear
- Your own cotton nightgown will be so much cozier and comfortable than the hospital gowns.
- A robe will be handy for when you want to walk the hallways.
- Several pairs of undies are a must (briefs, maternity, or disposables like Depends) if you do not want to wear the mesh underwear the hospital gives you after delivery.
- A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks
6. Slippers and/or Heavy Socks
It is much more pleasant and cozy to wear your own footies or slippers to keep your feet warm and clean while in bed or walking on cold tile hospital floors.
7. Relaxation Items
- A microwaveable heat pack, for a little quick sense of relief during labor pains. Get one that molds to your body. To find out which heat pack is most appropriate for you, add it to your list of questions to ask your gynecologist.
- Back massager
- Massage lotion or oil
- Squeezable stress-relief ball
- Anything that can help you relax
8. Magazines, Music, Movies
Bring your tablet and settle in, in case of a long wait for delivery, if necessary.
9. Snacks
This isn’t a necessary item, but bring enough snacks (and candies) for you and your partner. Snacking will help you keep up your energy levels and stay distracted if you have a long wait time or if you just need a treat!
10. Hair Care Items
Bring a comfortable headband or ponytail holder, if you need one to help keep hair off of your face during labor.
11. Toiletries
Having your own hygiene products is essential for comfort while you are in the hospital.
- Facial wipes
- Shampoo
- Hairbrush (and maybe even some dry shampoo) to use before taking the first photos with your baby.
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Moisturizer
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
The Woman’s Clinic
The P.A. board certified physicians at The Women’s Clinic have been providing the highest quality of women’s health care in Little Rock since the 1930s. Our state-of-the-art facility provides a private, comfortable setting for our patients.
Services to our patients include routine annual examinations, obstetrics (both routine and high-risk), cervical cancer screening, gynecological surgery, sonography, bone density testing, infertility testing and treatment, and treatment for urinary incontinence.
For More Information
For additional information about pregnancy, or to schedule an appointment to see a Little Rock gynecologist, contact us at The Woman’s Clinic by giving us a call at (501)-664-4131. We have been providing obstetrics and gynecological care to our patients throughout the greater Little Rock Arkansas area in a state of the art, comfortable, private setting for over 70 years.
