Preparing for labour: 9 snacks to pack in your hospital bag

A great energy boosting food, the oats in the flapjack or most breakfast bars will replenish those essential calories. It’s also a good one to pack for your birth partner, as they'll need to keep their energy up too.

Gas and air can dry out your mouth and your lips, so snacking on something fresh fruit can help you feel refreshed and rehydrated. Perhaps stick to fruit that will last out of the fridge, like satsumas, bananas and apples.

Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, prunes and figs are all high in vitamin E, iron, magnesium and calcium. What’s more, you’ll get all these nutrients in a relatively small portion, as most of the water will have been extracted.

Adding your favourite sandwich or pain au chocolat can be a really useful snack during labour. A carb-filled option will be just what you need to help release energy slowly while you're in labour.

Don't underestimate packing some water bottles with you. You could also grab an on-the-go, compact cordial bottle to add flavour.

Pop a couple of choccies or breakfast bars with chocolate in them to satisfy any cravings you may have. Jaffa cakes could be a good option here, too.

One to banish that gas and air taste, don’t forget to chuck a pack of polos into your hospital bag.

If all of the other snacks mentioned above make you feel nauseous, digestives or rich tea biscuits are a safe alternative to try. They're good to dunk into a cup of tea for that quick, yet satisfying fix. Or maybe some Hobnobs or chocolate covered digestives? Just biscuits, in general, are a winner during labour.