Packing for the Hospital

I would recommend you to pack your suitcase two weeks before your due date just in case your labor starts before your due date along with a list of last-minute to do things.

Things to be packed [for mom]-

Nursing Bra[s]
Breast Pads
Pillows and Nursing Pillows to make you comfy
Nightgowns and a Robe
Comfy Slippers and Socks
Toiletries
Hair clip or Band if you have long hair
Going home outfit

Things to be packed for the newborn-

Infant Car seat and infant head supporter
Going home outfit
Blanket if winter time

Baby diapers, wipes, receiving blankets,mittens,baby formula etc. are all provided by the hospital but do not forget to ask them about these things during the hospital tour. In case they do not provide, you need to pack diapers, wipes, blankets, mittens, bottles,wash clothes and towel.

Things to be packed for Dad/Partner or Relative who plans to stay with you-

Do check out with the hopital if someone is allowed to stay with you.

Change of clothes
Toiletries
Camera/Camcorder
Snacks
Phonebook
Change for vending machines/pay phones

Things to be packed for sibling[s]-

Crayons,markers,coloring books
Books
Toys
Snacks

Baby on its way!!

Signs that indicate that labor is not far off

1. Dropping/Lightening- The baby drops and settles into your pelvis and you may feel increased pressure on your bladder. Ah! that means frequent trips to the bathroom.
2. Leveling off of weight gain
3. Frequent bowel movements
4. Increased vaginal discharge
5. Cervical effacement and dilatation- During the last month, cervix begins to stretch n thin. Your provider will keep you informed.
6. Braxton Hicks contractions- More frequent and stronger. But again girls thats not true labor.
7. A bloody show- A slightly brown, pink or blood tinged mucous is released because of the expanding cervix. It can appear minutes, hours or even days before labor begins. Not all women notice this sign.
8. Rupture of membranes- Generally water bag breaks after the labor has already started. But water bag can break before the labor. Call your provider immediately. Do not confuse it with urine. It is odorless and may appear as a trickle or a gush coming out from your vagina.

Sure Sign for true Labor

Consistent Contractions- Regular uterine contractions which may feel like menstrual cramps or a lower backache that comes and goes, initially may be as far apart as 20 to 30 minutes. Take a paper and a pen and write down the exact time each contraction begins and how long it lasts. After several hours the contractions will occur after every 10-15 minutes. Call your provider when your contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart.

Characteristics of true labor

Very often people confuse false labor with true contractions and make a visit to the hospital and are back disappointed. Whenever you have a contractions do not panic. Relax. Here are a few differences between labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions/false labor.

Labor contractions are regular and follow a predictable pattern

They become progressively closer

They become progressively stronger

They last progressively longer

Each contraction is felt first in the lower back and then radiates around to the front or visa versa

A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions

There may be bloody show

Membranes may rupture

Your doctor will notice effacement or dilation

and here are the signs of false labor

Contractions are irregular and unpredictable

No progression is seen over time

Contractions are felt as a generalized abdominal tightening

A change in activity or position will slow down or stop contractions

There is usually no bloody show

Membranes will not rupture

Testing for Group B Strep

What is GBS?

Most pregnant women are screened for group B streptococcus (GBS) during the third trimester. It is a bacteria that can live within humans and is generally harmless to adults.About 25% of women are carriers of this bacteria and don't even know it.

Effects on the baby

Babies who get infected with GBS become critically ill. During birth as the baby passes through the vagina it comes into contact with the bacteria, making it more likley for the baby to get Group B Strep. To prevent this from happening women who test positive or who have had a previous baby with Group B Strep will be given IV antibiotics during labor. If treated 98-99% of all babies born to infected mothers will not become infected.