What exactly is the nesting instinct? We do know that animals have them, but hey, pregnant women have them too. The nesting instinct sets in before the end of the pregnancy and gets moms-to-be in cleaning, organising, and event planning mode.
Let’s see what else we need to know about the natural phenomena.
What is the nesting instinct?
The nesting instinct is something women develop naturally during pregnancy. It can even be labeled as a pregnancy symptom, like food cravings or morning sickness. During the last month of pregnancy, pregnant women may feel an uncontrollable urge to clean the house, organise the pantry, etc. It is an expectant mother’s biological or emotional instinct to ensure that everything goes smoothly after she gives birth. Pregnant moms are known to start rearranging the cupboards, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the car, and keeping the house neat and tidy for the arrival of the baby.
Most women don’t even know that such an instinct or symptom exists, even though they may be going through it!. Here is a list of activities that pregnant women might get busy with, as a result of the nesting instinct.
- Preparing and putting in all the final touches to the baby nursery
- Washing and cleaning the car, in readiness for transporting herself to the hospital (and bringing the new baby home)
- Purchasing new clothes for herself and her baby
- Packing the hospital bag (and probably repacking it several times too)
- Getting rid of old sheets and towels and replacing them with new ones
- Washing, ironing, folding clothes and rearranging the wardrobes
- Sorting the baby’s clothes again and again
- Cleaning the toilets, bathtubs as well as disinfecting the house, especially the kitchen and bathrooms
- Mopping and/or scrubbing the floor
- Rearranging some of the furniture in the room, and even in the hall
- Throwing or giving away unwanted things in the house
- Cooking more than usual
- Cleaning the kitchen cabinets and stocking the kitchen with food
You can mark the difference between a normal woman performing the above tasks from a pregnant woman doing the same. A pregnant woman performs them more meticulously and persistently than usual.
Precautions during the nesting period:
Usually, the nesting instinct sets in around the fifth month of pregnancy. Sometimes, the moms-to-be may unintentionally perform tasks that might hamper their health. Here are some points that they should take care of:
- Avoid painting the baby’s nursery.
- If you are exercising, only perform pregnancy exercises suggested by the doctor regularly.
- Check the safety of chemicals while disinfecting the house. Do not expose yourself to strong fumes.
- Wear rubber gloves while cleaning the cat litter box to avoid infection, or let someone else do it.
- Avoid contact with pet’s feces
- Avoid yard work or gardening.
- Dispose of outdated food and restock the fridge with fresh food.
Tips for the nesting mom!
- Keep your clothes, sheets, and towels ready.
- Make a ‘whom to call’ list.
- See to the hospital registration formalities in advance. Pre-registration will save you time when you arrive for the delivery.
- Arrange for a sitter if you have older children at home.
- Buy and install the infant car seat.
- Check that you have your insurance card, a photo ID, credit card, and ATM card in your wallet.
- Ensure that baby clothes, diapers, and diaper rash ointment are all ready.
- Restock your pantry with healthy food items
- During the last two-three weeks, cook in large quantities and store the food in the fridge. This will help you consume healthy and homemade food after returning from the hospital.
In some cases, nesting can be experienced for a few weeks or even a day before the onset of labor. Nesting occurring close to 40 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of the onset of labor. It is quite possible that some women may not experience it. If the mother-to-be takes proper precautions while doing the activities and enjoys them as well, nesting can be a safe process for her and the baby.
Dads-to-be may have this instinct too!
Many dads-to-be also feel the urge to clean and organize. Some might start looking for a new job – for more income, less stress, etc. They too may feel the urge to clean up the house garden, car, etc.
