What Is Nesting in Pregnancy?
“Nesting” refers to the drive an expectant mother may experience to prepare her home for her baby’s arrival. It’s a common instinct, but pregnant women nest in different ways. Some people get the urge to paint the house and reorganize the entire kitchen. Others feel driven to decorate the nursery or fold baby clothes.
This burst of energy is perfectly normal and natural, as long as you take some precautions with larger projects and try not to go overboard with strenuous activities. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about nesting in pregnancy.
Why Do We Have the Nesting Instinct?
Researchers have suggested that nesting is an adaptive behavior rooted in human evolutionary history. It helps us prepare psychologically and practically for the arrival of new life. Many other species also exhibit nesting behaviors, from hamsters and birds to pigs and even insects.
The majority of expectant mothers have the urge to nest, and for some, the urge can be overwhelming. It is part of a protective maternal instinct to maintain control over the environment where your baby will experience their first vulnerable days and weeks.
When Does Nesting Start?
The nesting instinct can occur at any stage of pregnancy. But it’s most common during the end of the third trimester, during the final weeks of pregnancy.
Does Every Pregnant Mother Have the Nesting Instinct?
While the nesting instinct is common, not every mom-to-be experiences it. About three quarters of pregnant women feel the need to nest. If you never get the urge to clean or organize, don’t worry about it!
Examples of Nesting in Pregnancy
Decorating the Nursery
Setting up the nursery may be the most common form of nesting – and for good reason. You and your baby will spend a lot of time in the nursery. Gathering and organizing everything you’ll need for the early days of your baby’s life can be comforting and help you prepare.
From building a crib with your partner, to painting and choosing artwork, to setting up a changing station, there are many ways to prepare the nursery for your baby’s arrival. It’s a lot of fun – and practical!
Deep Cleaning
Have you ever put off cleaning and then suddenly feel a burst of energy that makes you want to tidy, dust, and powerwash every corner of the house? The nesting instinct often triggers this energy, leaving you with a strong desire to clean your living spaces.
This may take the form of decluttering, dusting and wiping down surfaces, doing laundry, or trying to rid the house of dirt and grime. You may also notice that you feel more sensitive to the presence of dirt and clutter.
Stocking Up on Baby Supplies
Making sure you have all the essential baby supplies you need is a common form of nesting. This is a great time to stock up on wipes and diapers, baby gear, toys, baby clothes, and more. You might also want to go over your baby registry again to add any items you may have missed.
Completing Home Improvement Projects
From painting the living room to landscaping the backyard, nesting can inspire you to take on some bigger home-improvement projects. Even if these projects do not technically make your home more "baby ready," you may still feel the need to make updates to your home to prepare for your new bundle of joy.
Restocking the Fridge and Pantry
Removing any stale or out-of-date food items and replacing them with fresh, pregnancy- and baby-safe foods is a common nesting habit. This can be especially helpful if you have any specific pregnancy cravings. If your due date is coming soon and you’re planning to use baby formula, it’s a good idea to stock up so you’re fully prepared.
Meal Prepping
Many women have the desire to prepare meals for themselves and their other family members in anticipation of their baby’s arrival, especially as their due-date approaches. Caring for a newborn leaves parents with very little time to prepare home-cooked meals for the rest of the family. Meal prepping ahead of time so you have ready-to-go dinners in the fridge or freezer can be a big help.
Reorganizing Closets
Doing laundry and reorganizing closets is one of the most common nesting behaviors. It’s safe and relatively easy, and you’re likely to be switching out your maternity wardrobe for postpartum or nursing clothes in the not-too-distant future. Some people also get the urge to reorganize other storage areas, such as cleaning-supply closets, linen closets, or spice racks.
Birth Planning
Wanting to begin birth planning is also a sign of the nesting instinct. From packing your hospital bag to making a final checklist to complete before giving birth, you might have the drive to put the finishing touches on your birth plan.
Babyproofing
Many expectant mothers find that they start noticing areas of their home that could pose a risk to their baby’s health and safety. Your newborn isn’t likely to get into too much trouble during the first weeks of life. But it’s never too early to start capping off corners and covering outlets to make sure your baby comes home to a safe and secure environment.
How To Nest Safely
The nesting instinct is completely natural. But some pregnant women find themselves wanting to take on large home-improvement projects such as landscaping or moving furniture around their homes.
It’s important to take it easy and try to avoid taking on too much all at once. Some people also find that the urge to nest causes anxiety. If this happens to you, try to take a step back and remember there’s no need to rush or try to get everything done all at one time.
When you’re pregnant, your baby’s health and wellbeing is inextricably linked to yours. We know that the prenatal development period and the first 1,000 days of life are extremely important for a baby’s long-term health.
The Clean Label’s First 1,000 Day Promise standard is paving the way by establishing maximum contaminant thresholds for food and other consumer products that are marketed to pregnant women and mothers. It’s important to prioritize safety during the nesting phase by avoiding potential hazards that could have longer-term consequences for your baby.
Here are a few tips for nesting safely to protect yourself and your little one:
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
- Don’t lift heavy objects.
- Pay attention to your body and take breaks.
- Avoid climbing ladders or standing on furniture.
- Make sure you stay hydrated.
- Delegate tasks to your partner, friends, and family when possible.
