We’ve always wondered: Is nesting during pregnancy a real thing?
Endless odd, but natural and totally scientific things, happen to women during their pregnancies. There are the mood swings, the nausea, the sore boobs, the discoloration of certain body parts (yep), and the constant peeing — all thanks to the hormones.
And then there’s one thing that happens to many women (and men) when they’re expecting a baby, one thing we’ve always wondered about…
Nesting. Is it a real thing or is it all in our heads (and nurseries)?
Nesting is the intense and immediate urge to organize your nursery, no matter what time of day or night it may be. It also involves the desire to stay home all the time and clean, rearrange furniture, and get the house ready for the tiny new human that will soon be entering your life.
Even though not all women go through it, nesting is definitely real.
According to the American Pregnancy Association,
"Nesting during pregnancy feelings might be triggered by: boredom and frustration from still being pregnant; recognition that the baby’s care is going to take lots of your time and energy, and you want everything to be ready before the baby arrives; excitement and anticipation of your new bundle of joy, and the desire to have everything just right."
It usually feels the strongest around the last few weeks of pregnancy (or before a baby is set to arrive, if you’re using a surrogate or going through adoption).
"It’s nature's way of getting you ready to nurture a child – an increase in the amount of adrenaline coursing through your system around week 38 or week 39 of your pregnancy probably contributes to this final frenzy, but the emotional factors are just as strong," according to What to Expect.
Overall, nesting is a really great way to be productive, focus on planning, and to maintain your sanity during a really stressful/exciting time.