General advice seems to be to have your hospital bag packed by the time you're 36 weeks, even if you're planning on having a home birth, you never know if your plan will have to change and you'll have to rush off to hospital.
So, from my own personal experience, here are the things I would strongly recommend you pack in your bag!
2. Vaseline/lip balm – your lips can get dry in labour.
3. Water spray – you can get really hot in labour and the wards are generally kept pretty warm. A water spray is great for helping you keep cool.
4. Camera! You might not want pictures taken of you straight after the birth, but you'll definitely want photos of your baby when she's just minutes old!
5. Old knickers and maternity pads.
6. Arnica tablets. If you're open to homeopathic medicine this is definitely worth trying to help with any bruising after the birth.
7. Nappies, wipes and clothes for baby - a few vests and sleepsuits should do it. And a hat and cardi for them to wear on the journey home.
8. Wash bag with make up, deodorant and dry shampoo. Speaking of which, stock up on dry shampoo now, for those newborn days when a shower and proper hair wash is just too much effort!
9. Hairbands to get your hair out of the way.
10. Snacks and drinks for you and your birth partner. Take extra so you'll have something to eat while you're on the ward too, you might not fancy the meals the hospital provide.
This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, there are plenty of other things you'll want to pack, like clothes and PJs for yourself, but it's a good jumping off point for building your own list!
What's your number one hospital bag essential? Leave me a comment below and let me know!