Nesting Instinct While Pregnant

One fine morning, Reena, an expecting mother in her third trimester, suddenly has an urge to clean and organise the house to prepare for the new baby. She spent hours organising the baby’s room, his clothes, toys and packing for the hospital, ensuring she didn’t forget anything. This sudden rush of energy is called nesting instinct during pregnancy. It is a natural phenomenon observed in animals and humans, as mothers need to safeguard their infants by preparing a clean and safe space. 

In this blog, you will learn what nesting is during pregnancy and identify the signs of nesting. Stay tuned!

What is Nesting in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for any woman. She undergoes immense physical and emotional changes. As soon-to-be mothers wait for the arrival of their babies, there is a powerful instinct to create a secure and nurturing environment for the little one. This instinct, known as nesting, occurs due to hormone changes during pregnancy. However, minimal research on this topic and evidence proving it is a biological instinct. Experts suggest that nesting is more linked to social and emotional factors as the mother wants to be prepared for the baby’s arrival. 

When does Nesting Happen?

Nesting can happen anytime during pregnancy. Some women experience nesting instinct in early pregnancy while others may experience it later. However, it is most common in the third trimester when oestrogen, the pregnancy hormone, reaches its peak. Nesting is also believed to be a sign of labour. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove it. It is believed that expectant mothers need to prepare for the arrival of their child, thus prompting nesting behaviour. 

What are Signs of Nesting?

Motivation and sudden bursts of energy make you prepare for the baby’s arrival. Here are some common Signs of nesting in pregnancy.

Cleaning

When even the tiniest patch of dirt starts bothering you, and you get on to an intense deep cleaning mission, you are nesting. It is natural and wise to disinfect the whole house before the baby arrives to protect your little one from infections and diseases. However, it's important to remember that you are pregnant, too, so don't overexert yourself with cleaning. 

Tip: Seek assistance from your partner and family members. Hire professional cleaners and don’t try to do everything yourself. 

Shopping

You are constantly shopping and want to stock everything your baby might need. You are stocking essentials as you might not get any time after the baby’s arrival. You also need comfortable clothing for nursing, the list is endless. Often, expecting moms hoard stuff in excitement, which they or the child never use.

Tip: Prepare a budget so you spend your money wisely. You can seek help from other mothers to prepare a list of items you will need for the baby, yourself and the household and stick to that list. 

Decluttering

When you buy new stuff, you need to make space for keeping it. This is a good opportunity to get rid of stuff you don’t need, such as extra furniture, sharp objects, dated items, and unused stuff.  You will need to babyproof your home to create a safe and open space for your little one to explore once they start moving around. 

Tip: Donate what you do not need, but do not overdo it. Keep the things you might need in future once the baby is a little grown up.

Organising

Organising is an excellent way to get your house in order. Involve your partner in organising things so that he knows where they are kept, as you might need more time and energy to look for stuff after the baby and will depend on your partner. 

Tip: Make sure all essentials are accessible and, if possible, maintain a diary of all the important stuff and its location in the house so that you can look into the diary instead of searching the whole house.

Planning

Nesting isn't just about getting your baby ready. It is also planning how you want to welcome the baby into your life. Here is a list of things you need to prepare for.

• Pack your hospital bag.
• Arrange for extra help such as a cook or a helper to help you with the baby if needed.
• Identify a paediatrician for your baby.
• Keep your maternity insurance policy handy to claim delivery and newborn expenses.
• Plan for rituals or baby photo shoots beforehand to celebrate the baby’s arrival so that you do not miss the chance to create memories.

Final Words

As nesting instinct during pregnancy is a natural phenomenon, it is always best to plan and prepare. However, remember that with a new baby, you will get some surprises, no matter how much you prepare. Don't get overwhelmed; stay calm and relaxed. Don't lose sleep overthinking and trying to micromanage everything yourself. Be easy on yourself; talk to your doctor when in doubt, and cherish this challenging yet beautiful experience of a lifetime. 

Also, plan your finances before you start planning for a baby. The Care Joy maternity insurance plan from Care Health Insurance is a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers all your maternity and newborn expenses. For details, visit our website today!

>> Also Read: Managing Your Weight in Pregnancy

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. For more details about the health insurance plans and their benefits please refer to the sales prospectus, policy terms, and conditions.