During the final weeks of your pregnancy, you may have irregular contractions. You may feel a drop in your baby’s position. And the profile of your stomach may look a little different. Because due dates are not exact, have your bag packed and ready for the hospital.
Packing for the hospital
Here are some items you may want to have ready for the hospital:
-
A watch or clock with a second hand
-
Insurance card and identification
-
Nursing bra, nursing pads, and maternity underwear
-
Toiletries
-
Something to entertain yourself, like books or a tablet or laptop (and charging cord)
-
Heavy socks or slippers and a robe
-
Pillow
-
Mints or breath strips
-
Glasses or contact lenses
-
Clips for your hair, a brush, and lip balm
-
Important phone numbers or email addresses
-
Going-home outfits for you and your baby
-
A car seat to take your baby home in
Leaving for the hospital
Follow the instructions you’ve been given on when to leave for the hospital. You may be told to call your healthcare provider when it becomes hard to walk or talk during contractions or if your amniotic sac breaks (this causes a gush of water). If your partner makes the phone call for you, be nearby. That way, your healthcare provider can speak to you directly. Many women are told to go to the hospital after an hour of contractions that come
Featured in
Related Articles
Prenatal Medical Care
Learn about prenatal medical care, including why it's important, who provides it, and what happens during visits.
Labor Induction
Labor induction is a way to help get your labor started. This can protect your health and your baby's, too.
If Your Baby Is Breech: External Cephalic Version (ECV)
If your baby doesn't move into a head-first position on their own, your healthcare provider may attempt to do an external version. Your healthcare provider will try to rotate your baby by pressing down on your belly. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to relax your uterus. This can make it easier for them to rotate your baby. During a version, your healthcare provider will use ultrasound to watch your baby.
Methotrexate for Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy means that the fetus is growing outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The fetus can't survive there, and the pregnancy can't be saved. Treatment with methotrexate is an alternative to surgery. Read on to learn more.