u/Velvet_Teacup_

Looking for advice on all things hospital bags when preparing for birth. Some people seem to pack small suitcases, whilst others take a bag. What is the norm? Will I be underpacking if I bring a bag, or will I look silly turning up to the hospital with a suitcase? I’ve found various checklists online about what needs to be packed but I’m feeling a bit clueless on how I should be preparing. What did you take with you to hospital and how did you pack it?

I’m looking to hear of other women’s experiences regarding weight gain during pregnancy. I am almost 20 weeks pregnant with my first baby and was of a slim build with low appetite pre-pregnancy. I have gained almost all of the recommended weight gain already.. I was around 55kg pre-pregnancy (173cm tall) and already 61kg by the the time of my booking appointment at 10 weeks.. I’m now at 68kg, although the weight gain seems a bit more steady now. I mentioned it to my midwife at my 16 week appointment and she said “we’ll keep an eye on that” which made me feel a bit off.

I am not eating quite as much as I was during the first trimester, now that the nausea has eased up, but I’d love some reassurance that, at least for some women, this type of rapid weight gain is normal? I don’t feel like I look big in general, but I am obviously a lot bigger than I used to be which has required some adjusting to.

Apparently you aren’t really supposed to gain any weight during the first trimester… whereas that’s when I gained the most so far!

How much weight did you gain during your pregnancy? What is “normal”?