The Ultimate Pregnancy Bag Checklist for Hospital

Having your first child is something very special but it also can be startling if you’re unprepared. Hence, when the time of labour approaches, it is advised to take precautionary measures by putting together a maternity bag that will help and comfort you throughout your journey. We at OETEO have curated a list of hospital bag essentials to make your birthing experience smoother. 

Important Documents

It is incredibly important to keep copies of your ID and relevant documentation in your bag and car so that you have it ready to go at a moment’s notice. Having copies of your documentation will allow for easier registration at the hospital and serve as a backup in case something doesn't go as planned. This would be especially convenient should a situation arise where an expectant is forced to be transported to a different hospital than was initially planned, for whatever reason. In this case, you need not worry as multiple copies of your documents are easily accessible at any given moment. 

A Reminder

Keeping your heart and mind in the right place and being mentally strong despite the situation is extremely important. An emblem that resembles your commitment and journey throughout your pregnancy can deem uplifting and empowering as you go into labour. These could vary from your first 2D foetal ultrasound of the soon-to-be new-born to a piece of clothing that you have pre-bought in anticipation for the little one. Anything that reminds you of why you are here in the first place and gives you comfort, is game.

Comfortable Clothing

Packing comfortable clothing is good idea, anything from robes to oversized sweaters would probably do the trick but it’s up to you if it’s comfortable. It would be wise to pack more than you need - be it undergarments, socks, pants, or pyjamas, you never know what you need until you need it. 

A Nausea Kit

The following items will come in handy when the expectant is feeling nauseous on the way to the hospital. Wet wipes, tissue paper, and disposable plastic bags are considerable items to bring along with you, both, in the early pregnancy stage and when preparing for labour. Nausea is not just a side effect for mothers in labour, but also for those in the earlier stages of pregnancy. 

Toiletries

Personal hygiene is important daily and even more so when you are in a hospital where there are ill patients and germs almost everywhere. Bring along your own toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, towels, and your own daily personal care products so that you can ensure a hygienic atmosphere and feel fresh while you're at it.

Prescribed Medications & Supplements

Do make sure to bring along all the prescribed medicines and supplements that you are consuming throughout your pregnancy. As the time for labour approaches, you will need to prepare small batches of your prescribed drugs in a medicine planner box. We suggest bringing a 7-day pill organizer so that you need not search for the pills at the hospital, as they have all been planned and prepared beforehand. 

Tech Gear

The battery life on your phone can be quite unpredictable at times. Whether or not this is the case for your phone, you should always be ready with a power bank or a charger. For most people, a lot of important information is stored on their mobile devices for easy access; others might find themselves in need of an emergency call or simply for media consumption. Nonetheless, our mobile devices are a significant part of our lives, and a power bank can be very useful whilst in the hospital, just don’t forget to charge it before putting it into the bag.

Peace & Serenity

The hospital is a very busy place that could build up stress should the environment be too hectic or noisy. An expecting mother or one that is recovering from labour should be well prepared with the necessities to ensure a relaxing ambience at the hospital. As a mother who has just delivered a new-born baby, it is very important to get plenty of rest, especially post-birth. Earplugs and eye masks should help you to obtain serenity a little easier. Rest is most definitely a priority; bringing along your own pillows will make it easier for you to do so, all the while building an atmosphere that is as close to home as you can get.