Publications
Partners
Of all the interesting symptoms and emotional highs and lows experienced during pregnancy, nesting is by far the most unusual.
Commonly described as the compulsive need to make the home as clean and organised as possible, the nesting instinct typically strikes towards the end of the third trimester and it is believed to be a sign that baby can be expected to arrive quite soon.
The impulse may also be expressed as social withdrawal, and according to a 2013 study conducted by researchers from the McMaster University, the urge has more to do with becoming super organised in preparation for baby than with cleaning.
"We were surprised to find that cleaning behaviours were not a fundamental feature of nesting in women; instead organization and project completion are prioritized more highly," they stated.
And if this mom's post is anything to go on, we'd say the research is spot on.
Taking to Reddit's r/BabyBumps forum, user mimigins shared an image of some late-night nesting, showing off stacks of baby clothes labelled for more than a year in advance.
The post received a number of responses, with fellow moms-to-be sharing their 'fun' experiences with the peculiar instinct, some mentioning that nesting helped with remaining calm, and others stressed about the fact that their need to nest hadn't even kicked in.
Impressed at the expectant mom's high level of planning, and curious to see how other moms experience the nesting drive, we scanned through social media and found a few other expectant moms sharing their nesting whims.
Also see: Getting Ready for Baby
What's the most intense organisation you've done to prepare for your baby's arrival? Share your comments with us and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
"What have I started!???!!! Almost painted the whole house"
"Set on clothes for at least a year and we haven't even had the real shower yet!!"
Also see: Nesting
"Back burned until I finish Moorish-temple nursery"
"Well, I'm sure as hell not going to sit around all day"
Also see: 100 amazing facts about pregnancy
"Because one project whilst pregnant wasn’t enough!"
"Today has been super productive!"
Now, if only someone could find a way to bottle all of that productivity.
Chat back:
What's the most intense organisation you've done to prepare for your baby's arrival? Share your comments with us and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
