Can I paint my babies nursery while pregnant?

Question

While I am at it I will paint two other rooms too... all are small. One primer and two coats are needed. I am 22 weeks pregnant and everything is going wonderfully

Answer 1

I was just reading about this in my book yesterday, "What to Expect When You're Expecting." It said that even though paints are made a lot safer these days, its probably not a good idea. Not only because of the fumes, but because of the actual labor of doing it, the up and down motions. It said that you probably shouldn't even be in the house while it is being painted. I will look for some articles with more information and add them to my answer when I find them.

**Here is what I found on babycenter.com**
Question: Is it safe to paint during pregnancy?

Answer: This is a tough call because we don't know exactly how the chemicals and solvents used in paint affect a fetus. The simplest and safest answer is to let someone else do the painting or save this project until after the baby's born.

Painting exposes you to oils, resins, solvents, driers, extenders, vinyl, latex, and acrylic. The pigments in paint can include metals such as lead, zinc, and aluminum. Because painting involves so many chemicals, and because it's so difficult to measure how much of the various substances the body actually absorbs, it is difficult to know the exact risks to pregnant women. (If you've already been exposed to these chemicals, but haven't felt ill, don't worry. The chances your baby will be affected are small.)

Of particular concern is lead-based paint, commonly used before the 1970s. If you scrape lead paint you could inhale lead dust, which could be harmful to both you and the baby. Scraping or sanding any kind of paint is definitely not recommended since it could contain lead. Leave removal of lead-based paint to professionals, and have them do it while you are out of the house.

Some evidence suggests that exposure to chemical solvents during pregnancy may increase your risk of having a baby with birth defects. One study, by the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, found that women who regularly engaged in hobbies that used solvents — such as repairing cars, painting, and furniture stripping — had a two to four times higher risk of having a baby with gastroschisis (an opening in the abdomen through which the intestines protrude). In other words, these women had a one in 1,250 to one in 2,500 chance of delivering a baby with gastroschisis, compared to one in 5,000 for women not exposed to solvents.

Of course, the degree of chemical exposure is much higher for someone inhaling solvents on a regular basis. Researchers don't know what the effects are on a pregnant woman who just wants to paint the nursery. Although it's best to avoid these types of exposures, don't worry if you were exposed to painting chemicals before knowing you were pregnant. The possibility that you've caused any harm to your baby is quite small.

If you must be exposed to these chemicals because of your occupation, then take the following precautions:
• Limit the amount of time you spend on the project, if possible. (Because it's hard to say exactly how much exposure is safe, you'll have to use your best judgment.)

• Keep the windows open to avoid inhaling paint fumes, and make sure to wear a mask or ventilator to screen out harmful particles.

• Wear gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin.

• Do not eat or drink where you work so you won't accidentally ingest any chemicals

Answer 2

NO!!!!! I had a friend that did not paint but was in the house while they were painting the nursery and she had a miscarriage that night. the doctors told her that it was probably the fumes from the paint that caused her to miscarry. you should get someone else to do it and have them open all the windows so it is well ventilated and you should leave the house and not come back until the fumes are gone.

Answer 3

I would talk to your doctor about it first but I have heard many women say they painted while pregnant. You could always buy you one of the masks and always make sure it is a well ventalated area. Open doors, windows and as soon as you get done painting leave for a few hours to get away from the fumes. I know my mom painted my nursery while pregnant with me and I turned out fine! I have heard to stay away from the Kilz brand and to try and use latex paint instead of oil based paint. good luck

Answer 4

No, there are toxic fumes inside of paint that you some times cant smell, that might have a harmful effect on the child if you breathe in too much, especially in a room closed off to circulation or large amounts of fresh air.

Answer 5

I know at Lowes they have low fume paints. I saw them for the first time on HGTV. This designer named Summer was having a baby, and she was still painting. She also wore a face mask. Like the kind doc's wear. So I think if you go that route you'll be fine! Good Luck and Congrats on the kid!

Answer 6

The other posters are right — it's probably fine. I just have one note on the What to Expect While You're Expecting. Don't get me wrong, I was like an addict with this book during BOTH my pregnancies, but a lot of the information is alarmist and anything they touch on seems to be potentially fatal for you, your baby and mankind.

It's always good to ask your doctor about fears or concerns. That's what they're there for. Congrats....

Answer 7

Yes you can. As long as paint fumes never affected you before it is perfectly fine. Just make sure you open a window a little and you use water based paint, not oil based paint. I asked my doctor and did extensive research on the subject.

Answer 8

I painted while pregnant both times. No biggie. My grandmother tells the story of her hanging curtains and washing down walls the day before she delivered my mom. I'm not advocating that, but if you feel fine and are using latex paint in a well ventilated area, you should be ok.

Answer 9

You can but make sure that the room is very well ventilated and you take frequest breaks. also when you buy the paint let the store know that you are pregnant and that you will be doing the painting.

Answer 10

yea you can paint! just keep the room vented! like while you paint leave the windows opened and stuff like that! and when your done with the room! i suggest closing the door so the fumes dont go threw out the house!