The Benefits of Nesting

Are you feeling that surge of pregnant energy and motivation to get ready for the arrival of your baby? Many mothers report an unusually strong instinct to clean, prepare and stock up on necessities sometime during their pregnancies. The term "nesting" refers to the activities that birds and other animals perform while preparing their nests or living quarters for the birth of their babies or the laying of their eggs. Humans are no different.

There are a few ways to tell if you are nesting. With some people, it is very obvious. They will have a willful and determined mindset about getting everything done in time. Some women have been known to delay going to the hospital and ignore their progressing labor just so they can get a little more cleaning in! But with other women, they may slowly prepare and never really feel an urgency to get ready for the baby's arrival.

If you are nesting, you may feel the need to do some unusual things. Many women become very obsessive about cleanliness. They may do thing like remove baseboards to clean behind them. They might have the carpets steam cleaned over and over again. They may jump up in the middle of the night to make sure that the entire kitchen is germ free. Lots of women will engage in repetitive behaviors that will seem irrational, like organizing the same drawer over and over again. They may fold and unfold clothes multiple times, making certain that they are all just right.

Although these behaviors may seem odd or totally senseless, they are usually perfectly safe to carry out. Make sure that you do not over exert yourself or expose yourself to harmful cleaning chemicals. Always clean in a well ventilated area and wear gloves. If you feel the urge to take apart furniture to clean all of the joints and screws, please ask an understanding friend or partner for help. Avoid lifting heavy objects or any activity that could be harmful to you or your baby.

Have fun with nesting. It can be invigorating to be active in the last weeks of your pregnancy. You may be able to get so much done that you go into labor with a calm disposition. Clean the nursery, decorate, stock your baby items and get ready for your baby.

Getting the nursery ready is the most common nesting urge. It is fun and helps you mentally prepare for having a baby in the house. Fold the little pajamas, wash the tiny sheets and hang the precious outfits on tiny infant hangers. When your nursery is ready, chances are, you will be too.

About the Author: Kurt Adams is on the staff of Only Kids Hangers, a leading provider of