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From lucky charms to a bucket of water: what mums pack in their hospital bags around the world

From lucky charms to a bucket of water: what mums pack in their hospital bags around the world

WaterAid asked 11 women to reveal what’s in their maternity hospital bags — and the surprising contents show just how much birth experiences vary around the world. From Africa to Asia to Europe, here’s what they packed.

Melina Magar, 30, sits among her maternity bag items at her home, Badhaiyatal-2, Bardiya, Nepal, March 2026.

Hollie Bond

Published: May 5, 2026 at 4:43 PM

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Packing your hospital bag is one of those milestone moments in pregnancy — a mix of excitement, as you realise it's nearly time to meet your baby, and nerves, as you wonder what you might have forgotten for this huge life moment. For many mums, their maternity bag is filled with new baby essentials as well as nice-to-haves to make birth a little more comfortable: think cute babygrows, energy-giving snacks, a phone charger, and a water bottle to keep hydrated through labour.

But what mums pack isn’t the same everywhere.

Around the world, alongside tiny outfits and sentimental items, some women are preparing very differently — bringing things they can’t rely on the nearest hospital to provide, including something as basic as clean water. And looking inside these maternity bags offers a powerful, deeply human glimpse into what giving birth is really like in different parts of the world in 2026.

According to new research and powerful testimonies gathered by international non-profit organisation WaterAid, what goes into a hospital bag can reveal far more than just personal preference — so we’re taking a look inside the maternity bags of 11 women, from the UK to Ghana, to see what they can tell us about maternity facilities around the world.

The maternity bag essentials that mums pack wherever they are in the world

While every pregnancy and birth is different, there’s something reassuringly familiar about many hospital bag essentials. No matter where they live in the world, the 11 women WaterAid spoke to reveal that mums-to-be are often packing items for comfort and sentimental reasons.

In the UK, first-time mum Amira packed a water bottle with a straw to help her stay hydrated during labour, alongside toiletries and a bracelet her own mum once wore — a small but meaningful reminder of home.

In Tokyo, mum-of-three Ayako prepared for her fourth baby with a few thoughtful items, including a traditional ‘safe childbirth’ charm and her boshitecho — a maternity record book that holds the history of each of her pregnancies. She also packed a bottle of water from a concert by an artist she loves, simply because it lifts her spirits.

And in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, Lloyid included comfortable pyjamas and a soft blanket passed down through her husband’s family — once used to wrap him as a baby, and now ready for the next generation.

From sentimental keepsakes to practical comforts, these items reflect something many mums will recognise: the desire to feel calm, prepared and connected as they get ready to meet their baby.

The essentials only some mums have to pack, depending on where they live

Pho Moch, 33, a mother holding her newborn baby in a maternity ward at Svay Chouk Healthcare facility, Cambodia.

©WaterAid/ Noriko Hayashi

But sentimental items and comfortable clothes are often where the similarities end. As these 11 women reveal, in some parts of the world, a maternity bag can look very different — because it has to. And, it's not just country to country that women experience such contrasting experiences – in some places, whether you live in the city or countryside can make a huge difference to what you have to pack.

At the Nankumba Health Centre in Malawi, 20-year-old Rose, who is expecting her first baby, has packed not just clothes for her newborn, but a bucket, a razor blade and thread for cutting and stitching the umbilical cord, and a small hat and cloth to keep her baby warm after birth.

We collect water from the standpipes. Most things are missing or in short supply here such as brooms, soap and mops.

Pregnant mother Rose in Malawi

She explains that even basic supplies can’t be taken for granted at the facility. With no running water in the bathrooms and limited access to soap, everyday hygiene becomes a challenge long before labour even begins.

“We don’t have running water inside the bathrooms,” Rose says. “We collect water from the standpipes. Most things are missing or in short supply here such as brooms, soap and mops. The number one thing that I would like is soap, because we need to wash our hands.”

In Ethiopia, similar realities shape what women bring with them. In some communities, expectant mums also pack buckets for water, knowing it may not be available when they arrive at the health centre. For many, staying clean during and after birth depends on what they can carry themselves.

When you’re in labour the midwife leaves the delivery room to collect water.

Pregnant woman Miatta in Liberia

And in Liberia, midwives have described situations where there isn’t always immediate access to clean water during labour — a reminder of how unevenly basic healthcare needs are met around the world.

“When you’re in labour the midwife leaves the delivery room to collect water," says Miatta who is 9 months pregnant and giving birth at the Diah Clinic in Liberia. "Before she comes back, usually the women have given birth. I experienced this. I would like water to come here.”

Through these different hospital bags, a stark contrast begins to emerge: while some mums pack for comfort and calm, others are packing for safety, hygiene and survival.

Why water is one of the most critical essentials in childbirth

Side view to a pregnant woman birthing mother with painful contraction, touching belly and drinking water in a hospital ward. Childbirth process

Image: Getty

Water might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a hospital bag, but in maternity care it underpins almost everything.

During labour and birth, clean water is essential for basic, life-saving hygiene — from washing hands and sterilising equipment to cleaning the mother and baby after delivery. It also plays a vital role in hydration and comfort during what can be a long and physically demanding process.

Without clean water, the risks for mother and baby rise quickly. Infection becomes harder to prevent, medical tools can’t always be properly cleaned, and even simple tasks like handwashing or keeping a mother comfortable can become a challenge.

Maternity bags are not only about what women need – they expose where health systems are failing women.

Helen Hamilton, WaterAid

According to WaterAid, a woman gives birth every two seconds somewhere in the world without access to clean water, decent sanitation and basic hygiene. That adds up to more than 16 million women each year facing childbirth without these fundamental protections.

In settings where water and hygiene are unreliable, items like buckets, disinfectant or even razor blades aren’t “extras” — they are essential tools for safe delivery. They are things no expectant women in developed countries like the UK would expect to pack for a hospital stay at all.

It’s this divide that runs through every maternity bag in this story: not just what women choose to bring, but what they are forced to bring in order to stay safe.

“Maternity bags are not only about what women need – they expose where health systems are failing women," says Helen Hamilton, WaterAid’s Head of Policy – WASH and Public Health. "The solution is simple and proven: clean water and good hygiene save lives. Governments and decision-makers must prioritise investment in these basic, lifesaving foundations of care. Women across the world are calling for change. It’s time to listen.”

What mums in the UK say they couldn't do without in their maternity bags

To understand how different this can feel, it helps to look at what mums closer to home prioritise — where access to clean water and hygiene is generally taken for granted. WaterAid’s survey of UK mums and first-time mums-to-be shows just how central these basics still are, even when they’re expected to be available.

Almost all British mums (95%) agree that clean water and good hygiene are fundamental to safe healthcare. And for many, the focus of their hospital bag reflects that expectation of safety and comfort.

Water bottles came out as one of the most common essentials — with nearly a quarter (23%) of first-time pregnant women saying it was one of the most important items they were packing for labour. A private, clean place to wash and access to a nearby toilet were also seen as key by the majority of mums who had already given birth. The focus for UK mums is on comfort, dignity and reassurance during labour, rather than survival.

11 women from around the world reveal what's inside their maternity bag

Malawi

composite image of a 20 year old pregnant women in Malawi next to the contents of her maternity bag

©WaterAid/Dennis Lupenga

Rose Stephanoh, 20, lives in Malawi and is having her first baby.

What's in her maternity bag: a bucket, a baby bath, chitenje cloth, a black sheet of paper, a razor blade, thread, a Nyanda [a locally made female diaper] and a baby hat.

"When you don't have clean water and decent sanitation at a health centre, mothers and babies can easily contract cholera that can be fatal to their lives," she says.

Cambodia

A Cambodia mother sits of the hospital bed cradling her newborn next to an image of what she packed in her hospital bag

©WaterAid/ Noriko Hayashi

Pho Moch, 33, lives in Cambodia and had her baby in February 2026

What's in her maternity bag: a sarong, towel, mattress for the baby, baby clothes and nappies for mum and baby.

"The water facilities and toilets here are clean. My only hope for the baby is for him to be healthy, not sick and not having a fever. I'm afraid that after we leave the hospital the child could get a fever. I just wish for the best health for him."

Ghana

Countryside

Pregnant woman in Ghana holding her bump next to a flat lay of the items she is including in her maternity bag

©WaterAid/ Cianeh Kpukuyou

Alahire, 29 lives in Namoo Boko, Ghana and is pregnant with her fourth child.

What's in her maternity bag: 6 yards of cloth, dettol, a delivery pad, a head covering for the baby, some welcome clothes for the baby, socks and hand socks, and something to wrap the baby in and a mosquito net.

"There is always a bathroom issue after women deliver and we have to go behind the facility to urinate when we go to visit the hospital. I would like them to be able to provide a bath and toilet for us... it’s really not nice to have to go out into the open where people will see you to urinate. Changes should be made so we don’t struggle in this way."

City

Pregnant woman stands holding her bump next to the contents of her maternity bag

©WaterAid/ Apag Studios

Francesca Nouna Ndinya, 34, lives in Adenta Frafraha, Greater Accra, Ghana and is pregnant with her second child.

What's in her maternity bag: toiletries like moisturising cream, talc, some clothes, a breast pump, breast pads, baby clothes, cloths, nappies and wipes.

"I had my first child at the medical center, and my experience there was very calm. I had good doctors and good nurses take care of me and my child. The hospital has everything I need. There 100% needs to be clean water at the hospital because, bringing new life into the world without clean water... you don't know what diseases they may pick up from when they are born."

Japan

A pregnant Japanese woman holds her bump while she kneels on a tatami mat. Next to her are the contents of her hospital bag laid out.

©WaterAid/ Noriko Hayashi

Ayako Kato, 43, lives in Tokyo and is eight months pregnant

What's in her maternity bag: Maternity record book (boshitecho), sarashi cloth, a towel, a nursing bra, glasses, toiletries, socks, scarf, leg warmers, stomach warmer, warm compress, nursing pajamas, clothes for leaving hospital, snack, notebook, bottle of water, phone charger, mugwort powder for reducing inflammation around the legs and a safe childbirth charm. (Newborn clothing will be provided by the clinic).

"When it comes to addressing politicians or world leaders who have the power to improve water and sanitation systems, I can’t say “go experience it yourself,” of course… but I’d say: please use your imagination. Have imagination and courage, and take action."

Ethiopia

Countryside

Ethiopian woman in her house cradling her pregnancy bump next to an image of what she packs in her maternity bag to give birth

©WaterAid/ Frehiwot Gebrewold

Anshiya Haji Huseein, 28, lives in Gada Tokuma Kebele in Ethiopia and is nine months pregnant.

What's in her maternity bag: bucket, used baby clothes, and a wrapping cloth for baby.

"I am taking the water bucket because water may not be available at the health centre. If that happens, we will buy water so that I can clean myself after delivery."

City

Lloyid Aklilu, 31, lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is expecting her second child

Liberian woman at home on sofa holding baby bump next to a pile of items she is taking to hospital

Lloyid Aklilu, 31, lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is pregnant with her second child.

What's in her maternity bag: essential personal and baby items, including disposable clothing, maternity and hygiene products, baby clothes, diapers, and a wrapping blanket passed down from her husband’s infancy, which holds strong emotional value.

"The water, sanitation, and hygiene situation at the hospital is excellent; one of the best, in my experience. There is a reliable water supply, and each room has a shower with both hot and cold water options.

People living in cities like Addis Ababa have the privilege of a better quality of life because they have easier access to basic services. However, when we consider the women across the country, the majority do not have access to even the most basic necessities. Some cannot afford sanitary pads, which are becoming increasingly expensive."

Nepal

A pregnant Nepalese woman carries her toddler with a field in the background and then is shown sitting with her maternity bag

Melina, 30 lives in Bardiya, Nepal and is expecting her third child.

What's in her maternity bag: report card, pathology reports, loose clothes for herself, clean clothes for the baby, a maxi dress, underskirt, panties, and thin cotton towels for cleaning the baby and a mosquito net.

"During my previous delivery, mosquitoes bit me and my newborn the whole night, and I felt helpless. I want to avoid that this time."

Madagascar

Pregnant Madagascan woman standing next to contents of her maternity bag

Claudia Rafanjalalao, 36, lives in Andrefanigara, Madagascar, and is expecting her fourth child.

What's in her maternity bag: Baby clothes, roller bandage, baby talc, sterile gauze pad, cotton wool, disinfectant alcohol, sewing thread and needle to seal the umbilical cord, thermos, water, bucket, plastic mug, blanket, chamber pot, basin, candles, soap, warm clothes, Holy Bible, rosary beads, Holy Mary pendant and notebook.

“There is big water issue in Tsiroanomandidy, especially at the hospital. So, you must collect and bring your own water, even at night. That is the problem. You have to search for your own water because often there is no water at the hospital.”

Liberia

A Liberian woman stands outside the delivery room of a hospital and next to an image of what she packs in her maternity bag

Miatta Kromah gave birth to a baby girl in January 2026 at Diah Clinic, Grand Cape Mount, Liberia. She had three other children who all died from pneumonia.

What's in her maternity bag: two towels, Dettol, alcohol, soap, clean wraps and nappies.

“I gave birth in this clinic. It’s difficult. Water is here, but it’s difficult. When you’re in labour, the midwife leaves the labour or the delivery room to collect the water. Before she comes back usually the women have given birth. I experienced this. I would like water to come here.”

United Kingdom

British woman at home holding her baby bump next to a flatly of what is in her maternity bag

Amira Aleem, 34, lives in London, England and is expecting her first child.

What's in her maternity bag: Water bottle, spray bottle, perfume bottle, sanitary towels, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hairbrush, nappies, smart phone, toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton wool pads, two nighties her mum brought for her from India, a bracelet that her mum used to wear and baby clothes.

"I packed a water bottle because I was told that you need to be able to drink water and not glug it during labour and this one has a straw and it's meant to be really good for you to keep hydrated during labour. I also refilled this old perfume bottle with water because apparently you can overheat and get really hot and actually having a spray to cool you down during labour can be helpful.

"I think I'm very fortunate to be able to have a lot of the things I need going into this and being able to buy what I need."

From lucky charms and family keepsakes to buckets and basic medical supplies, maternity bags around the world tell a story that goes far beyond what’s packed for a hospital stay.

They reflect the hope and love felt by all expectant mothers, but they also reveal a stark divide in what women can expect when they give birth. For some, the focus is comfort and reassurance. For others, it’s making sure the most basic essentials are available when they arrive.

And as these 11 women show, what’s in a hospital bag isn’t just personal — it can reveal something much bigger about safety, dignity and care at the moment life begins.

Authors

journalist and two young kids sat on a bench in France for a review of Eurocamp

Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!