12_BT_December2019

Precautions during the
nesting period:
What is the nesting instinct?
The nesting instinct is something women develop naturally
during pregnancy. It can even be labeled as a pregnancy
symptom, like food cravings or morning sickness. During
the last month of pregnancy, pregnant women may feel an
uncontrollable urge to clean the house, organise the pantry,
etc. It is an expectant mother's biological or emotional
instinct to ensure that everything goes smoothly after she
gives birth. Pregnant moms are known to start rearranging
the cupboards, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the car, and
keeping the house neat and tidy for the arrival of the baby.
Most women don't even know that such an instinct or
symptom exists, even though they may be going through it!.
Here is a list of activities which pregnant women might get
busy with, as a result of the nesting instinct.
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Preparing and putting in all the final touches to the
baby nursery
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Washing and cleaning the car, in readiness for transporting
herself to the hospital (and bringing the new baby home)
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Purchasing new clothes for herself and for her baby
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Packing the hospital bag (and probably repacking it several
times too)
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Getting rid of old sheets and towels and replacing them
with new ones
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Washing, ironing, folding clothes and rearranging the
wardrobes
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Sorting the baby's clothes again and again
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Cleaning the toilets, bathtubs as well as disinfecting the
house, especially the kitchen and bathrooms
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Mopping and/or scrubbing the floor
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Rearranging some of the furniture in the room, and even
in the hall
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Throwing or giving away unwanted things in the house
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Cooking more than usual
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Cleaning the kitchen cabinets and stocking the kitchen
with food
You can mark the difference between a
normal woman performing the above
tasks from a pregnant woman
doing the same. A pregnant woman
performs them more meticulously and
persistently than usual.
Usually, the nesting instinct sets in around the fifth
month of pregnancy. Sometimes, the moms-to-be may
unintentionally perform tasks that might hamper their
health. Here are some points that they should take care of:
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Avoid painting the baby's nursery.
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If you are exercising, only perform pregnancy
exercises suggested by the doctor regularly.
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Check the safety of chemicals while disinfecting the
house. Do not expose yourself to strong fumes.
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Wear rubber gloves while cleaning the cat litter box
to avoid infection, or let someone else do it.
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Avoid contact with pet's feces
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Avoid yard work or gardening.
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Dispose off outdated food and restock the fridge
with fresh food.
Tips for the nesting mom!
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Keep your clothes, sheets, and towels ready.
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Make a 'whom to call' list.
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See to the hospital registration formalities in advance.
Pre-registration will save your time when you arrive for the
delivery.
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Arrange for a sitter if you have older children at home.
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Buy and install the infant car seat.
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Check that you have your insurance card, a photo ID,
credit card, and ATM card in your wallet.
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Ensure that baby clothes, diapers, and diaper rash
ointment are all ready.
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Restock your pantry with healthy food items
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During the last two-three weeks, cook in large quantities
and store the food in the fridge. This will help you
consume healthy and homemade food after returning
from the hospital.
In some cases, nesting can be experienced for a few weeks or
even a day prior to the onset of labor. Nesting occurring close
to 40 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of the onset of labor.
It is quite possible that some women may not experience it.
If the mother-to-be takes proper precautions while doing
the activities and enjoys them as well, nesting can be a safe
process for her and the baby.
Dads-to-be may have this instinct too!
Many dads-to-be also feel the urge to clean and
organize. Some might start looking for a new job - for
more income, less stress, etc. They too may feel the
urge to clean up the house garden, car, etc.