The 411 on Nesting
Nesting is not only for birds. As humans we too nest, but in a different way. As our due date gets closer we naturally start to prepare for our new baby. This usually starts to happen around the fifth month of pregnancy. Most of the time we don’t even notice we are doing it; it’s just a natural urge we get.
Nesting behaviors are often irritating to your loved ones and always unique to the individual. Signs of nesting may include an unusual burst of energy which gives us the ability to clean, organize, do laundry, and even decorate. Some women feel the need to purchase the baby items still needed but for the most part we stay home. It’s very common to become a homebody during this time not because you have to, because you want to.
Nesting can be very simple or very detailed. For some women nesting includes setting up the baby’s room and just a basic surface cleaning. For others, nesting is taken very seriously using a tooth brush to get to every nick-n-cranny. There seems to be no end to the lengths a nesting mother will go to prepare for her upcoming arrival.
Many times when nesting occurs closer to 40 weeks, it could be seen as a sign of labor just around the corner. An urge to make sure everything is done before the baby is here. If this is the case, try to take it easy. If labor is around the corner you’re going to need that energy.
Even though you may have these urges some of them you may want to skip or get someone else to do for you.
Try to avoid the following:
- Painting
- Moving furniture or any heavy lifting
- Cleaning products with strong chemicals
- Yard work or gardening
- Avoid all ladders and hard to reach places
Be sure to:
- Safe guard your home
- Purchase any last minute baby items
- Pack your hospital bag
- Finish up old projects
Most of these are common sense but when your nesting you will do anything to get things done. Nesting can be one of the more humorous aspects of pregnancy. You will find yourself getting teased by your friends and family for your strange cleaning behavior. No one can pull you out of it no matter how silly your behavior may seem. It’s just something you got to do. In the end you’ll be glad that you finished up old projects, got organized and more than ready for your little one to come. The act of nesting gives a feel of accomplishment toward birth.
