top of page

The Neuroscience Behind Nesting Behavior During Pregnancy

For many pregnant individuals, the urge to organize, clean, and rearrange their surroundings intensifies as pregnancy progresses. Commonly referred to as “nesting,” this experience reflects a strong desire to prepare one’s environment for the arrival of a baby. While often dismissed as emotional or aesthetic, nesting has well-established biological and psychological foundations.


Research indicates that nesting is a normal and common response during pregnancy, though not everyone experiences it, and its intensity and timing vary widely. 


Understanding the science behind nesting helps normalize this experience and clarifies why environmental preparation plays a meaningful role in emotional regulation, stress reduction, and caregiving readiness.


What Is Nesting Behavior?

In clinical and psychological literature, nesting behavior refers to an increased drive during pregnancy to prepare the physical environment for an infant. This preparation may include:


  • Organizing or rearranging living spaces

  • Increased attention to cleanliness and order

  • Heightened focus on safety, accessibility, and functionality


According to the American Psychological Association, nesting is considered an instinctive behavior associated with pregnancy-related changes rather than a personality trait or aesthetic preference.


Not all pregnant individuals experience nesting urges, and the absence of nesting does not indicate a lack of readiness, attachment, or caregiving capacity.


When Does Nesting Occur?

Nesting can occur at any point during pregnancy, though it is most commonly reported in the later weeks as delivery approaches. Seasonal factors, upcoming life transitions, holidays, or extended time at home may also intensify nesting behaviors for some individuals.


Medical sources emphasize that nesting does not signal the onset of labor, a common myth about nesting. In reality, the onset of labor varies widely from person to person.


The Neurobiology of Nesting

Pregnancy is accompanied by significant hormonal changes, including rising levels of estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin. These hormones influence multiple neural systems involved in:


  • Threat detection and safety awareness

  • Desire for predictability and environmental control

  • Preparation for attachment and caregiving


From an evolutionary perspective, preparing a stable and predictable environment increased infant survival. While modern environments differ greatly from ancestral ones, the brain continues to follow this deeply ingrained biological program.


Nesting therefore functions as a form of neurobiological regulation, helping reduce uncertainty and stress during a period of significant physiological and psychological change.


What Research Shows About Environment and Stress

Research across psychology, neuroscience, and environmental health highlights the importance of environmental preparation during pregnancy:


  • Pregnant individuals demonstrate increased attention to order, cleanliness, and spatial layout as birth approaches.

  • Reduced environmental stress is associated with lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone linked to maternal and fetal well-being.

  • Cluttered or visually overstimulating environments increase cognitive load and stress responses, while visually calmer environments support emotional regulation.


These findings reinforce that nesting is not incidental, it serves a measurable physiological purpose.


Supporting Nesting Safely

Nesting itself is not harmful. However, it is recommended to approach it thoughtfully.


  • Rearranging Space to Restore Predictability

    Organizing space enhances perceived control and reduces stress activation (NIH).

    • Try to: Focus on functionality over appearance and work in short, manageable intervals.

  • Visual Calm and Nervous System Regulation

    Reduced clutter lowers cognitive demand and stress hormone activity.

    • Try to: Use neutral or warm color palettes and limit high-contrast patterns, especially in rest areas.

  • Lighting and Sleep

    Light exposure influences sleep quality and mood regulation.

    • Try to: Use warm, dimmable lighting and reduce blue-light exposure in the evening.

  • Nursery Preparation and Anticipatory Bonding

    Preparing infant-related spaces helps activate attachment-related neural pathways before birth.

    • Try to: Organize baby supplies intentionally and spend time familiarizing yourself with the space.

  • Safety Considerations

    Pregnant individuals should avoid:

    • Lifting heavy objects

    • Climbing ladders or onto unstable surfaces

    • Using harsh cleaning chemicals (e.g., bleach, oven cleaners) – make sure to have proper ventilation

    • Overworking or overexerting themselves


Why This Matters in Surrogacy

For surrogates, nesting behaviors may arise even when the infant will not reside in their home. This reflects normal neuroendocrine processes of pregnancy, not confusion or misplaced attachment.


For intended parents, preparing the infant’s environment can support emotional readiness and reduce stress during a complex transition.


Understanding the biological basis of nesting promotes empathy, clarity, and supportive communication across all roles involved in the surrogacy journey.


Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical, legal, or psychological advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.


References

Comments

bottom of page