As your delivery date nears, take the time to prepare your hospital bag. You don't want to be packing your stuff just when the contractions begin. Who knows how fast your labor would progress and how panicky you'll feel when you start feeling the labor contractions. Come to think of it, you might not be even at home when the time comes!

So, what do you need to pack? Basically, you should pack things you want to have with you during labor, and after delivery: some comfortable clothes, sleepwear, a bathrobe, socks, underwear, toiletries (though your hospital may provide you with some as well), sanitary napkins or maternity pads (may also be provided by the hospital), your going home outfit.

You may also want to bring CDs, pillows, or other tools that could help you during labor (I know of someone who brought a rolling pin to relieve back pains!). And of course, for documentation, camera and videocameras (make sure the batteries are loaded!).

For the baby, don't forget the going home outfit, a receiving blanket, a diaper bag (although your hospital may provide diaper stuff), and a car seat (legally required in certain countries).

Here's another list of what-to-bring from the perspective of a doc:


VideoJug: Preparing For Childbirth