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| The Nesting Instinct Have you had the urge to clean everything in sight lately? If you've been rushing around your house finishing off the ironing, reorganising the cupboards or colour-coding your wardrobe, then you might be experiencing what is commonly referred to as 'the nesting instinct'. Experts believe the nesting urge is caused by both biological and emotional factors. During pregnancy, your hormones are all over the place and these can make you act in unusual ways. It's one of the funnier symptoms of pregnancy, although your partner might not see the funny side after you've ripped down the wallpaper for the third time in a week but there are a few precautions you should be aware of. Painting Pregnant women should avoid exposure to oil-based paints, old paint that may contain lead and some latex paints that contain mercury. Most water-based paints can be used but always check the label for contents that could be harmful. Painting should always be done in a large, well-ventilated area to minimise the fumes you breathe in. Wear protective clothing and gloves and never eat or drink in the area where you are painting. Cleaning There are no real issues with disinfecting your house as long as you make sure the products you're using are safe. It's a good idea to avoid oven cleaners and dry cleaning products and be careful never to mix ammonia with chlorine-based products, like bleach, as the combination produces toxic fumes. Make sure you wear rubber gloves when cleaning and try not to breathe in strong fumes. Nesting is deeply instinctive, so go with the flow. Your feelings are often rooted in a mother's instinctive need to create a healthy safe environment for their baby. In fact, animals do this too. |
