You might wake up one morning feeling energetic and wanting to clean and organize your entire house. This urge to clean and organize is known as nesting. Nesting during pregnancy is the overwhelming desire to get your home ready for your new baby.
The nesting instinct is strongest in the later weeks coming upon delivery. It is an old wives’ tale that once nesting urges begin, labor is about to come on.
What is nesting during pregnancy?
Nesting is common and is considered to be an instinct to prepare for birth, but not all pregnant women experience the nesting instinct. It is common for women to get the urge to clean and organize during the spring, thus the old adage, “spring cleaning.” Some speculate that this is triggered by being cooped up all winter and wanting something new.
Others believe that the desire to get outside and enjoy the weather leads some women to organize the house, so they are free to go enjoy the outdoors.
If your baby is arriving late spring or into summer, your desire for nesting may be intensified. Nesting during pregnancy feelings might be triggered by:
- Boredom and frustration from still being pregnant
- Recognition that the baby’s care is going to take lots of your time and energy, and you want everything to be ready before the baby arrives
- Excitement and anticipation of your new bundle of joy, and the desire to have everything just right
When does nesting during pregnancy occur?
Nesting during pregnancy can happen at any time. The most common occurrence reported is during the last couple of weeks. Spring can be an additional factor. Holidays or some other celebration may also add to the desire to get things ready for the baby.
Don’t worry if you do not develop any nesting desires; not every woman experiences these. You can also direct some of the nesting responsibilities to your partner.
What does nesting during pregnancy look like?
No frets, you can nest any way you want. You will find that women “nest” in different ways. Some women want to deep clean the entire house, paint, or organize cabinets and closets. You will find others just want to arrange their baby’s clothes in a drawer.
Don’t be surprised if just being home takes on a new meaning.
Nesting recommendations
Nesting during pregnancy is not harmful to you or your baby. There are some precautions you will want to take though. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Let someone else climb the ladders since your equilibrium and balance changes during pregnancy and you don’t want to risk a fall.
It is also important to avoid cleaning chemicals such as bleach or oven cleaners. Even when used by others, it is essential that you have good ventilation.
Do what you must, but don’t wear yourself out. Get as much rest as possible and save your energy for giving birth and taking care of your new baby when she arrives. Take the nesting feelings and add some delegation to your nesting efforts. It is one of the times in life that delegation receptivity is a little easier.
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