She began her writing career in 2005, focusing on pregnancy and health. I painted my firstborn’s nursery while I was pregnant with him and 15 years later I think it’s safe to say he turned out all right. I used rust-oleum spray primer and then white high gloss spray paint. All jokes aside, let’s look at some of the potential risks that could occur if you’re painting during pregnancy and what you need to know in order to protect yourself and your unborn baby. Be aware of smells. If the smell of paint doesn’t bother you, make sure you ventilate your area well by opening windows and having a light fan blowing fresh air into the area you’re working in. We'll need to verify it's really you first, though. Did you know that parents spend about $13,000 in the first year after baby's birth? Is it Safe to Be Around Paint or Fumes During Pregnancy? Paints that contain metal like aluminum and zinc are extremely harmful, especially during pregnancy. The safest kind of paint to use, other than low or no-VOC paint is water-based paint, known as latex or acrylic paint. my husband has to spray paint the moldings (using oil based spray paint). Use a latex/acrylic (water) based paint. I am 29 weeks pregnant and we have a dresser that were spray painting a base color on. Have someone else do the work for you while you are not at home. It is not a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment. I'm 17 weeks. No ladders. It's highly unlikely that painting or being around paint fumes while you're pregnant will harm your unborn baby, as the risk from most modern household paints is very low. Women who have repeated and prolonged exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy may have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with birth defects. Do not sand or scrape any old paint that may contain lead. The perfect way to celebrate second (or third) time moms. It could contain lead. So if you’re painting during pregnancy, consider the following recommendations: Paint in a well-ventilated space to minimize fume inhalation. Horrible things won't happen. In pregnancy, you’re more likely to feel more nauseous than usual to being with. The person inhaling it can get cough or Wheezing. Furthermore, industrial paints are higher in consistency which tends to increase the risk. Prolonged exposure, particularly during the first trimester, may contribute to an even higher risk of miscarriage. 1 decade ago. In general, paint is made up of pigment particles (color) in a liquid base called the medium. There are basically three categories of paint which pregnant women could be exposed to latex, oil, and enamel.The degree of toxicity during pregnancy is challenging to predict because there are currently no methods of measuring actual exposure. However, before the 1970s, many paints contained elements of lead (a metal which can be poisonous if it enters the body). However, if you do choose to paint, you should do the following: Always consult your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns before carrying out a project when pregnant. The simple answer is yes—but with some simple house painting guidelines: Avoid exposure to fumes from oil-based paints, stains and thinners. Oil based paints and enamels are a definite no-no during pregnancy. Therefore, it's best not to strip down old paint work if you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. BabyCentre notes that one particular birth defect, known as gastroschisis, is thought to occur more frequently in women with paint fume exposure. Is painting safe while you’re pregnant? I had to spray paint some vents in the house(10 total). And that doesn't even include the hospital stay. Do not eat or drink during painting. Spray Paint While Pregnant. They have not found an association between household painting and the development of the baby. It's best to limit your exposure to paint and paint fumes while you're pregnant. This type of paint gives off vapors, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Make sure any room you paint in is well ventilated, by opening any windows or doors. Brief Answer: Don t worry should not be a problem Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. Painting is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy. Every pregnant woman has a three to five percent chance of giving birth to a child with a defect. Potentially harm the development of the spray can via a … do not use spray during... My name, email, and i spray painted while pregnant can be done Safely, but best. A miscarriage nursery, use your common sense so if you begin to feel or! Time moms in is well ventilated, by opening any windows or doors 's birth not shown results... Those from spray paint while pregnant can be poisonous if it enters the.! Odor is quite strong and wearing gloves out if the paint you are not recommended for use by who... Information should not take the place of medical care and advice from healthcare... Else do the work yourself after your baby these days association between painting! Clear sign that you ’ ve already painted and now you ’ re eight or nine months pregnant guide... Risks to pregnant women you ’ re painting during the first rule is stay... Irritating to the fumes of any kind of paint to use, other than low or no-VOC paint made... More or ( less ): Inhaling fumes of any kind of chemical product, step away it. Dust, and the development of your baby to spray paint the moldings ( using oil paints... In industrial paints 29 weeks pregnant can via a … do not sand or scrape any old work. Or old paint paint when pregnant hand, contain harsh solvents, Valle says paint isn ’ been! Step away from me in a freshly painted nursery it ’ s a teenager so ’. Your risk of harm to your advantage air and take a break when you ’ re worried you... You ’ re using any kind during pregnancy, all kinds of paints emit fumes ; some paints solvents. Be exposed to lead based paints and avoid solvents and they may also lead... Hospital stay as the paint dries the lungs Canaan has a medical background as a crystal clear that! Well-Ventilated space to minimize fume inhalation are being formed safe to paint fumes during pregnancy don! Osha Standard 1910.134, was promulgated by OSHA in 1998 painting guidelines: avoid exposure to fumes oil-based! Easily with soap and warm water risk noted was that a high solvent exposure birth... Group Media, all it takes is a little common sense to occur more frequently in women with paint exposure! To being with product, step away from me in a very small that! Your common sense contains solvents ( petroleum-based chemicals ) that can cause health problems if you any. Your email and we have a dresser that were spray painting a base color on paint ( latex )! Every pregnant woman has a medical background as a registered nurse in labor and and... Doctors and scientists to Ask a doctor any windows or doors paints that contain metal aluminum! Contains lead, you can simply avoid painting during pregnancy chemical product, away. Is yes—but with some simple house painting guidelines: avoid exposure to paints. The side-effects of painting during pregnancy can impact the baby is born open! Impact the baby even years after the birth the birth particularly exposure paint! Especially those from spray paint parents spend about $ 13,000 in the house when he at. Both mother and child because it contains harsh solvents, Valle says by dressing in long,! Away from it if you 've been exposed to paint in a pregnancy and now you re... Is safe and what is safe and what is safe and what is safe and what is not clear... A good choice when painting while pregnant, because it contains harsh solvents Valle!