pregnancy and paint fumes. True or not?

Question

My son and his 3 and a half month pregnant girlfriend are moving into a house together. The house is in dire need of a lick of paint. Now my sons girly has told me that her midwife has advised her not to paint or be around paint fumes. Is this true or is she just trying to get out of the hard graft. As much as i love her, she is a bit of a lazy mooey.....

I know things change but i moved house, painted it, done the garden, tip runs ect in my 7th month of pregnancy with 2 other kids underfoot.....

and it only a bit of emulsion, not gloss or varnish.

Answer 1

Yes paint fumes are supposed to be avoided by pregnant women but i wouldn't worry too much. I am 30 weeks pregnant with my second and we are currently in the process of redecorating. My advice is simply keep the room well ventilated and tell her not to be in the room for long periods of time that's all.

Answer 2

its not healthy for the baby if your sons girlfriend is breathing in any fumes.
what i would say though she could do a limited amount if in a very well ventilated room. Try to stick with emulsion not gloss or varnish as these give off more fumes. There is a gloss on sale that gives off no fumes. Try looking for products like this. When i was pregant with my second baby i had one week before i was due to have the baby to decorate a three bedroom flat and i did that on my own, just ventilated the flat very well and never slept there, so there are ways around this situation.

Answer 3

She is right. Paint fumes are not the best thing to breathe in when your pregnant. I helped my partner decorate my daughters bedroom and ours just before she was born. It was a nightmare!!!I was all light headed and felt a bit off with the paint fumes I was breathing in. The gloss and varnish is the worst that could make her feel rough but the emulsion is just as bad.

Answer 4

It is best that pregnant women avoid exposure to paint fumes in the same way it is best that they avoid exposure to all nasty chemicals. Paint is nasty stuff - that's why it has to be disposed of properly and should never be tipped down the sink etc - it's absolutely full of toxic chemicals.
Therefore pregnant women should avoid contact with it as much as possible.
If a pregnant woman does have to paint she should try to use low fume paint - the more environmentally friendly stuff. She should wear a mask and not use gloss paint.
I believe that this is also official NHS advice.

Answer 5

Actually I rather think her midwife is correct. She should go careful of strong fumes. Maybe you could put her up for a week while the house is painted and left to dry.

Answer 6

its true,,, actually paint fumes are not good for anyone,,,, you should well vetilate any room you are painting,,, but chemicals and fumes are especially dangerous for pregnant women, while their body may be able to tolerate small amounts,,, it can be passed on the the infant, so she shouldnt be painting or even being in newly painted rooms, its always best to be cautious,,,,, i am sure she can find other things to do, such as unpacking/arranging things, after the house is painted and aired out

Answer 7

Well actually, this is how I learned I was preganant.
i was painting, and I climbed a short latter and was painting above my head.
i personally think that saying was more true when there use to be lead in paint. But paint these days no longer has lead.
But looking up while you are preganant does make you very dizzy....

Answer 8

Paint fumes are not good for anyone! More importantly someone who is pregnant! Paint fumes are toxic, they might do some damage to your nervouse system and brain.

Answer 9

paint fumes are bad for most people so pregnant ones should be even more careful

Answer 10

Yes this is true it is not good for her or her baby. So support her in this, remember you want a good relationship with her when baby is born,but you do say as much as I love her so I am sure all will be fine.