I pack my bags around 36 weeks. But I've started buying pads and toiletries now.

It's easy to put aside all the toiletries, baby items and birthing things that you'll need. But some clothes may be the ones you use on an everyday basis -for these items I make a list and keep it in my bag for the last minute grab.

One thing that is a must (especially in a public hospital) is a roll of nice soft toilet paper. The stuff they supply in the maternity ward is hard and scratchy - not good for sore tender spots.

Another priceless thing to take is a pen and pencil. There are heaps of forms, meal menus, feeding records etc to fill out whilst in hospital. (Guard your pen when your there, they tend to go walk about - I think the nurses accidently 'borrow them' ... LOL)