Free family guide · Getting ready for birth

Getting ready for birth

MedlinePlus says labor usually starts between 37 and 42 weeks.[1]

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Sources on this page: MedlinePlus; NHS; NHTSA; Safe to Sleep; ACOG

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

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Checklist

  • The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date.[2] Hospital bag checklist
  • The NHS suggests a list of phone numbers, including your midwife or hospital, your birth partner and someone to drive you.[3]
  • NHTSA says babies under 1 should always ride rear-facing.[4] Getting your home ready for baby
  • Safe to Sleep says to use a firm, flat, level surface with only a fitted sheet for the baby's sleep.[5] Getting your home ready for baby
  • MedlinePlus says to discuss pain relief options with your provider before your due date.[1]
  • The NHS suggests writing a birth plan.[6]
  • MedlinePlus lists signs that labor is near, such as the baby dropping lower and the water breaking.[7] Signs of labor

When birth usually happens

The NHS says a baby is full term at 37 weeks.[8] ACOG says only about 1 in 20 women give birth on their due date.[9]

MedlinePlus describes three stages of labor: the cervix opening, pushing and birth, and delivery of the placenta.[1]

Read next

SignsSigns of laborBagHospital bag checklistHomeGetting your home ready for babyC-sectionC-section: what happens and recovery

Questions families ask

When should I have everything ready?

The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date.[2] The NHS says a baby is full term at 37 weeks.[8]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Childbirth. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. NHS (United Kingdom). Hospital bag checklist – what to pack for you and your baby. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. NHS (United Kingdom). 33 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seats and Booster Seats. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. NICHD Safe to Sleep campaign (NIH). Ways to Reduce Baby's Risk. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. NHS (United Kingdom). 24 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  7. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Am I in labor?. Checked October 24, 2026.
  8. NHS (United Kingdom). 37 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  9. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.