By 35 to 36 weeks, you should pack your bag for the hospital. Week 37 is considered full term, so you could have the baby any time after that! Don't worry about packing diapers and wipes for your newborn. The hospital will provide these for you. I suggest bringing a set of "newborn" clothes and size 0-3 months. You don't know for sure how big your baby will be, even if you have had an ultrasound predict the birth weight. If you have pets at home, you should pack a blanket to wrap your baby in. After a day in the hospital, bring the blanket home for your pet to sniff. He will get to know your baby by smell before you bring the new person home!
Plan to pack for yourself for 3 to 5 days. Typically, you will be in the hospital for 2 nights for a vaginal birth and 4 nights for a cesearan. I found it comforting to have my own night gowns to change in to. If you plan to nurse, pick up some nursing bras and nursing gowns/shirts. You will need a nursing bra one size bigger than you are now!
If you have had a tour of your hospital room and know about the available equipment, you may want to bring DVD's or an iPod. You will have some downtown without friends or family visiting where a comforting romantic comedy will come in handy. To this day, watching the Sex and the City movie reminds me of being in the hospital with my newborn daughter. You may have time to finish writing those "thank you" notes from your shower, but don't stress out about it! The main goal is to bond with your newborn! Take full advantage of the hospital staff. The nurses are so helpful and can give advice on everything from nursing to swaddling.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Gina
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