Nesting During Pregnancy

There was a time I considered nesting during pregnancy an old wives tale, an urban legend, or at least something that would never apply to me. That was before my husband found me balancing precariously on a stepladder in my shower, scrubbing the ceiling while 9-months pregnant. While you would have to know me to understand just how unnatural it was for me to be cleaning anything at all, it turns out that nesting is a very natural component to pregnancy.

Mother Nature may see the nesting urge as a way to ensure that babies will be well cared-for once they are born, as evidenced by the number of animals that go through a nest-building, den-cleaning, food-stocking phase before bearing young. For humans, it can be brought on by a combination of instinct, hormones, and emotional influences. Because the last trimester is when you are past the nausea of early pregnancy, and you are more energized and prepared for the birth, you may find yourself nesting as a result. Some will do it out of nervousness, as a coping mechanism for the unknowns of giving birth. Procrastinators may realize how quickly time is running out, and will make a last-ditch effort to prepare for the baby.

In my case, I think it was brought on by boredom. You see, I had reduced my hours at work, it was a couple of weeks before Christmas, and too cold to be doing much outdoors. I was fidgety and finding it hard to focus on anything much but my impending labor and birth. There was no warning, and there was certainly no awareness on my part. One second I was flipping through television channels, and the next moment my husband was rushing to keep me from falling off a stepladder in the bathroom. Although he couldn't convince me the bathroom was clean enough, we did arrive at a compromise by him agreeing to scrub the ceiling for me, while I took to the floor tiles with a grout brush.

This should serve to warn mothers-to-be that, although nesting is a perfectly normal part of most pregnancies, you must be aware not include any activities that would be harmful to you and your baby. This includes using harsh cleaning chemicals, climbing on ladders or chairs, and painting. Avoid moving or lifting heavy objects, and don't be afraid to ask for help in nesting. Chances are, your husband may need to burn off some nervous energy, too. However, be sensitive to the fact they he's about to lose all ability to sleep through the night, and allow him to rest instead of helping you clean out the closet at two in the morning! (Sorry honey, it won't happen again...)