Nesting in pregnancy is the urge to clean and organise your home to prepare for your baby's arrival. It typically begins in the third trimester and may be a behavioural sign that labour will happen soon. However, there is no research-based correlation between nesting and the start of labour. We don't know precisely what causes labour to start. Physical signs that labour is approaching are important to understand, and explained on top obstetrician Dr. Keith Duncan's Giving Birth Journey for Unii.

Nesting does not manifest in every pregnant mum. If it doesn't happen to you, it is no indication that something is wrong (even if you nested in a previous pregnancy) or that you are somehow less maternal than women with the urge to nest. Every pregnancy is different. Pregnancy is an extremely hormonal time, particularly in the third trimester, and it is important to be compassionate with yourself and accept mood changes as they develop.

When does nesting in pregnancy start?

Nesting can happen at any time in pregnancy but typically peaks in the third trimester.

How do I know I'm nesting in pregnancy?

The late third trimester can be considered slow physical progression towards labour. Lots of change is happening, you're at your heaviest and your pregnancy hormones peak, and nesting can become instinctive. Different women experience nesting in different ways. It can feel like a burst of energy or a desire to retreat into your home. Some women report an urge to tie up any loose ends in their life before the baby comes, scrub every inch of their house, perfect their nursery, or wash and fold all their baby's new clothes. Women who've never been particularly organised may become meticulous. These signs could mean that labour is days, weeks, or hours a way. However, it is far more important to look out for the physical signs of labour.

What triggers nesting in pregnancy?

The exact trigger is unknown but nesting is thought to be linked to your pregnancy hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which peak in the third trimester.

How can I explain nesting to my partner?

You really should not have to explain pregnancy-related behavioural changes to a partner unless you are asking for their help. Hopefully they will be sympathetic and support your desire to clean, organise, or decorate more.

In addition, no matter how strong your nesting urge at risk, you should not be lifting any heavy objects or completing any labour-intensive tasks that may cause you to fall or injure yourself. Your equilibrium is naturally skewed in pregnancy and you should not be climbing ladders, bookcases, or anything else you might scale to do some dusting. Have your partner do these things for you, if they simply must be done.

Regarding any chemical exposure, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist, pregnant women should adopt a "safety first" approach and avoid paint fumes, all pesticides, and very strong household cleaning chemicals, such as those found in oven cleaners and undiluted bleach.

It's also important to stop or take a break from any nesting activities that are making you nauseous, dizzy, or tired. Delegate these to your partner.

We recommend that you and your partner watch Unii's preconception videos with obstetrician Dr. Shree Datta to learn more about talking to your partner about pregnancy and parenthood. And you can get week-by-week advice from Dr. Shree on Unii's Pregnancy Journey.

What is nesting in pregnancy?

Unii looks at this interesting behaviour that manifests in some pregnant women.