Pregnancy nesting. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you suddenly found yourself deep-cleaning your kitchen at 10 p.m., wondering: what am I even doing?
Welcome to the club.
You’re pregnant - and nesting during pregnancy is a very real thing.
In this blog, we’ll explain what pregnancy nesting is, why it happens, what signs to look out for, and how to deal with it (gently).
What is nesting during pregnancy?
Nesting is a sudden, often intense urge to clean, organize, and prepare your home - and life - for the baby’s arrival. Think of it as a psychological spring clean, but fueled by a powerful biological drive.
It makes total sense from a biological perspective: your body is preparing for a new life, and part of that is creating a safe, calm and clean “nest” for your baby.
So yes: the nursery must be perfect, the kitchen drawer needs to be spotless, and your underwear drawer? That deserves some love too.
Why do we experience pregnancy nesting?
The short answer: hormones.
In the third trimester, your estrogen levels rise significantly. That hormonal shift triggers a desire for control, order, and safety - and tidying, organizing and cleaning can give you just that.
Nesting can also be an emotional outlet. You’re preparing for something big, something new - and taking charge of your environment helps you feel more grounded.
When does nesting usually start?
Nesting can hit at any time during pregnancy, but for most women, it kicks in during the third trimester - often around week 30. It’s as if your body knows: baby’s coming, time to get things ready.
For many, nesting coincides with the start of their maternity leave. Looking for calm and purposeful things to do while you’re off work? Check out our blog: Things to do during your maternity leave
Some women nest earlier, others right before labor, and for some… it never really hits (which is totally fine, too!).
There’s no schedule to it. But if you find yourself scrubbing bathroom grout with a toothbrush?
Yeah - nesting has arrived.
Pregnancy nesting signs: how to recognize it
Does any of this sound familiar?
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You can’t relax until every item is color-coded
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You’ve rearranged the nursery three times already
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You want to “quickly organize a drawer” and end up on the floor surrounded by old bras, single socks and existential dread
Then yes - you’re nesting.
How to handle nesting (without overdoing it)
You don’t need to “fix” your nesting instinct - it’s part of the journey. But you can approach it gently.
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Start small. One drawer, one corner, one shelf.
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Start soft. Literally. Begin with your underwear drawer.
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Keep what feels good. Anything that itches, pinches or doesn’t grow with you? Let it go (or store it away for now).
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Choose comfort. Sometimes a fresh start begins with a really soft slip.
Curious about the best underwear to wear while pregnant? Check our blog: The best maternity underwear
Nesting hits hard
But comfort hits harder.
So whether you’re knee-deep in a decluttering nesting session or just mentally organizing the nursery: start with you.
With comfort.
With a bra or brief that supports who you are right now.