See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Do not eat or drink in the work area to avoid accidental ingestion of chemicals. Painting during pregnancy. Schedule painting and other activities involving paints during spring or fall, when you can leave the windows open for air circulation. Use a latex/acrylic (water) based paint. [Read: Harmful Chemicals During Pregnancy]. Home Depot (hopefully you have one near you) carries paint called FreshAir Paint. Latex paints are not made with the more harmful materials that are used in other paints. If you decide to paint the baby’s room yourself, follow these precautions (9): Keep reading for more on the common queries about painting during pregnancy. So if you’re painting during pregnancy, consider the following recommendations: Paint in a well-ventilated space to minimize fume inhalation. The safest paints to use are latex (or acrylic) paints. Getting exposed to harmful chemicals during pregnancy can adversely affect the health of both mother and child. Painting During Pregnancy There's something about having a baby that makes many expectant moms want to redecorate, paint rooms, knock down walls, scrape old wallpaper, and refinish floors. Long-term exposure to these is associated with mental retardation and congenital disabilities in the newborn. However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. He’s a teenager so it’s hard to know these days. While you’re sporting your baby bump, your center of gravity shifts, so don’t climb a ladder to paint up high. What is paint? If you still want to try and paint the baby’s room yourself, take precautions and avoid prolonged exposure to the paints. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester (weeks 0-13). In every pregnancy, there is a 3 to 5% chance of the baby being born with a congenital anomaly (1). TBH I have been painting and glossing even though I'm pregnant and asthmatic. Is It Safe To Use Insect Repellent When Pregnant? Painting fence while pregnant? Of course, there isnt as big of a variety of colors, but atleast you can pain!!! Painting While Pregnant Is it Safe to Paint While Pregnant? Do you think it’s safe to be using stain while pregnant (it would be outside). Paints that contain metal like aluminum and zinc are extremely harmful, especially during pregnancy. I even color washed the ceiling. If possible, postpone the work until after delivery, or have someone else do the painting for you. If you have any tried and tested tips, share them in the comments section below. They have not found an association between household painting and the development of the baby. The simple answer is yes—but with some simple house painting guidelines: Avoid exposure to fumes from oil-based paints, stains and thinners. The good news is that you can paint your nails while pregnant. Leave the area if you begin to experience dizziness, watery eyes, headache or nausea. Wear a ventilation mask (specially designed for painting) to filter away paint fumes and particles. :) I was 7 and 8 months pregnant when I painted but I was sure to have the windows open, went outside for fresh air, and I even purchased a mask at Home Depot to wear while … I believe its VOC free. Please read our Disclaimer. To be on the safe side, make sure that the area is well ventilated, both with open windows and fans to blow the fumes outside. THey are very earthy colors.... And the paint … Pregnant women aren’t exactly dexterous and nimble on their feet, which is another reason why painting isn’t recommended while pregnant. Some possible risks of painting during pregnancy are: While it is best to stay away from these chemicals throughout the pregnancy, you need to especially keep away in specific times during the gestational period. All rights reserved. She is hard at work on her first cookbook, which combines fresh, simple recipes with science-based natural healing. Even the zero-VOC products may still contain some solvents. Consider using a box fan in the window to help direct air flow to the outside. These risks are low during the second and third trimesters (7). Take the basic precautions and it will be fine. Have you tried painting your home during pregnancy? 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. It's best to limit your exposure to paint and paint fumes while you're pregnant. Try not to breath a lot of dust in, which you'd be doing anyway. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies. There is a slightly higher risk associated with solvent-based paints and old paintwork as they contain traces of lead (8). Many solvents might cause problems for your developing baby, so it's best to take care of your own mani/pedis until after your baby is born. Spray painting poses a danger for a couple of reasons: particles can be easily inhaled, and the chemical odor is quite strong. They will also cause tiredness, weakness, nausea, headache, and memory loss, Exposure to home paints during pregnancy also increases the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the child. Keep the painting area well-ventilated. Research that has looked at paint exposure during pregnancy has not shown consistent results. Painting may expose you to various chemicals, the effect of which is not entirely known. Therefore, it is better to avoid painting until the second semester. The main thing to avoid when pregnant are the toxic fumes released by solvents. Tell your doctor if you've been exposed to paint fumes, especially those from spray paint, in your first trimester. Take frequent breaks. Oil-based paint isn’t a good choice when painting while pregnant, because it contains harsh solvents, Valle says. Zero VOC paints are free of volatile organic compounds, which are harsh chemicals that emit dangerous vapors. See whether a partner, friend or family member can paint the nursery for you. The fumes from such paints will not pose any risk since they have zero volatility (10). We have so many painting projects to do this year and it’s been amazing weather lately!! One of the most fun parts of being pregnant (aside from delivering your beautiful, healthy baby and nuzzling those sweet little cheeks for the first time) is planning the nursery.Do you go with the traditional gender-specific colors or something neutral? Paint is chock-full of nasty chemicals, few of which have been tested for safety during pregnancy. Waterborne paints contain very low levels of solvents and some none at all, such as the Resene Zylone Sheen Zero with no added VOCs. While the individual effects of these chemicals on unborn children remains something of a mystery, studies have found that exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fume-emitting chemicals cause significant harm to humans outside of the womb. Thus the risk from exposure is very small. Take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes and go outside to breathe. Environmental hazards that you may not think about may contribute but more research is needed to confirm their effect on the fetus. The desire to nest is almost irresistible in many pregnant women, and this often includes the compulsion to paint the nursery or even to redecorate your entire home. No matter how mild, though, it's best to avoid any risk by always working in a well-ventilated room or outside and taking frequent breaks. The most dangerous part of painting (he said) is climbing ladders because when you're pregnant, your center of gravity is off, and if you're up on a ladder (even a step stool) you're likely to fall. Chest Pain During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatment. If you're on your own, use water-based latex paint and a filter mask and keep the room well-ventilated. HCG Injection During Pregnancy: Can It Prevent Miscarriage? The bad news is you have to be careful what polish you use. Brynne has been writing how-to and informational content for almost a decade. Can I paint furniture while pregnant? This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health services. Painting during pregnancy is not recommended, because the exact effects of the paint fumes are not well-understood by doctors and scientists. You can also use latex (acrylic) paints that are easily washable. Oil paints contain a higher percentage of solvents than watercolor paint, tempera and acrylic paints, so it's best to avoid painting in oils until after your baby is born. Gallstones During Pregnancy – Everything You Need To Know, Exposure to the chemical solvents in paints can increase the chances of congenital, Old paintwork could contain traces of lead, which, when inhaled would potentially harm both the mother and the baby. A solution of warm water and degreasing dishwashing liquid will effectively clean brushes used with watercolor paint, tempera and acrylic paints. T… Avoid latex-based solvents containing ethylene glycol, biocides or ethers. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Painting can expose you to many chemicals and the effects of these chemicals on … Give some time for the fumes and smells to escape. Paint April 2, 2019 page 1 of 3 Paint This sheet talks about exposure to paint in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Go for respirator masks (1). Some possible risks of painting during pregnancy are: Exposure to the chemical solvents in paints can increase the chances of congenital anomalies in the baby. This is a no-go during pregnancy, especially early on. Use the paints labeled zero or low VOC (volatile organic compounds). You can definitely paint while pregnant. Painting While Pregnant Can be Done Safely, But is Best Avoided. I was told not to paint while I was pregnant but I had a vision for my daughter's nursery and I felt I was the only one who could carry it out! I'd make sure you wear protective goggles, gloves and … These solvents have not been comprehensively studied to determine their effect on a developing baby, so it's best to be cautious. While pregnant with my daughter, I really wanted to paint her room. Hysterosalpingography: When And Why Is It Done? Keep the room well-ventilated, and open the doors and windows to avoid inhalation of toxic fumes. However, you should take precautions to stay away from all potential hazards, including paint, in close contained areas without ventilation  (2). The fewer, or milder, the solvents in any kind of paint, the less likely their fumes will harm your baby. Different types of paint pose different risks to pregnant women. Do not sleep immediately in a newly painted area. Moreover, household paints result in minimal exposure, and the risk is negligible. In general Resene recommends that you should not paint during pregnancy. Oil paints contain solvents which can be easy inhaled and high levels of exposure tend to increase the risk of a miscarriage or a birth defect in the baby. The concern rises with prolonged exposure to painting and paint fumes. Chances are that no damage was done, but the more information your health care provider has about your pregnancy, the better care he can give to both your baby and you. But we don't know exactly how the chemicals and … Is it even ok for mothers to be around painting while pregnant? Do not sand or scrape any old paint that may contain lead. Paint fumes are unlikely to harm your unborn baby as the risk from modern household paints is very low. It's best to avoid doing any painting when you're pregnant, especially during the first trimester. These are usually latex paints that contain lower levels of solvents, or "volatile oil compounds." No matter how mild, though, it's best to avoid any risk by always working in a well-ventilated room or outside and taking frequent breaks. National Health Service: Can Paint Fumes Affect My Unborn Baby. Make sure you're not using chemical solvents to clean your brushes. The main thing to avoid when pregnant are the toxic fumes released by solvents. The risk of miscarriage and congenital anomalies is the highest during the early first trimester. I've bought a standard mask, which basically just means the smell isn't as strong as it would be otherwise. Since we cannot measure the exposure to the substance, determining the risks becomes difficult. The risks of painting will be higher only if you come in contact with them on a regular basis. Wear protective gear such as gloves, trousers, long-sleeve shirts to protect your skin from exposure to the chemicals. 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. The fewer, or milder, the solvents in any kind of paint, the less likely their fumes will harm your baby. It’s probably best that you don’t paint during pregnancy, just in case. A variety of paints are available in the market. Into astrology? A study of non-occupational exposure to paint fumes during the first ... you should avoid painting while pregnant. The risk of harm to your baby may be slightly greater from solvent-based paints and old paintwork, which may contain traces of lead. in close contained areas without ventilation, The Ecology Of Birth Defects: Socio-Economic And Environmental Determinants Of Gastroschisis In North Carolina, Lead Hazards for Pregnant Women and Children, Home paint exposures and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Findings from the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium, VOCs: Paints, Cleaners and Other Solvents, 25 Ways To Inculcate Good Habits In Children. Here, MomJunction tells you if painting is one such hazard, the possible risk you and the baby might be exposed to and the precautions you should take. you can google it. She has worked both out of the house and at home, giving her a uniquely broad perspective on what it takes to balance a career and kids. Parents: 6 Hidden Home Hazards During Pregnancy, American Pregnancy Organization: Paint and Pregnancy. In some studies, exposure to lead in pregnancy has been associated with a higher chance of miscarriage , premature delivery , and having a child with learning problems or behavioral problems. They are mostly latex paints containing low volatility. This type of paint gives off vapors, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. I think a bit of common sense goes a long way. Professional manicures are slightly more problematic, because the air in most nail salons is pretty well saturated with solvent fumes. I did a ton of sanding and painting while pregnant. He said if I did that, everything would be fine, and it was. [Read: Is It Safe To Color Your Hair In Pregnancy?]. Check out our Zodiac Center! In general, paint is made up of pigment particles (color) in a liquid base called the medium. Our paint tins have rusted so I have no idea what the VOC is, but I'm sure it's not great because it's from Farrow & Ball and smells very strong. Yes, wearing a mask filters the fumes and particles from paints. Various studies could not establish the side-effects of painting during pregnancy. I painted DS's room while I was about 7-8 months pregnant with him. Headache During Pregnancy: Types, Causes, Treatment And Home Remedies. Pregnant women should not scrape, sand, or burn old paint because of the potential for lead dust to be released into the air and inhaled. The desire to look your best does not go away when you get pregnant, and the desire to redecorate and repaint your home can actually intensify as your nesting instinct kicks in. If existing paint needs to be removed from the outside of your home, hire someone to do it and avoid the area until the job is completed for the day. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. Choosing a paint labeled "low-VOC" or "zero-VOC” is recommended. Otherwise, the risk is negligible and should not be a concern. What are your thoughts on painting outdoors during pregnancy? There is little evidence to support the idea that polishing your nails can harm your baby, but some women do find the smell of nail polish nauseating, especially in their first trimester. Many masks are made to simply keep out debris but the main issue with paint while you are pregnant is the fumes. Oil painting is often used for recreational purposes; however these activities can put the fetus of a higher risk. - posted in Pregnancy: Tips, Questions and Information: Hi,I am 6 months pregnant and we have recently had a … Some of the adverse effects include increased risk of miscarriage and hypertension, impaired neurodevelopment, decreased IQ, and cognitive impairment, Solvent-based (oil-based) paints contain harmful substances such as toluene, xylene, spirit, and alkanes. There are two broad Brynne Chandler raised three children alone while navigating a career writing TV Animation. Painting outside would probably be fine without a mask as you'll be in the fresh air. Oil-based paints contain solvents that emit fumes. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. Painting can expose you to many chemicals. Painting is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy. Painting while pregnant can be safe, as long as you take the right precautions, avoid certain types of paint, and don’t over-do it. Furthermore, spray paint is full of harmful VOCs that are released as the paint dries. As with nail polish, there is scant evidence to conclusively prove that the fumes in artist's paint can harm your baby. 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 … If you want to apply nail color, do so either at an outdoor table or in a well-ventilated area. It's best to limit your exposure to paint and paint fumes while you're pregnant. Oil Painting While Pregnant. The desire to look your best does not go away when you get pregnant, and the desire to redecorate and repaint your home can actually intensify as your nesting instinct kicks in. The main thing to avoid when pregnant are the toxic fumes released by solvents. 13 Benefits Of Eating Amla (Indian Gooseberry) During Pregnancy. From the Resene paint and decorating problems solver. 7th Month Pregnancy Diet - Which Foods To Eat And Avoid? Most paint contains solvents (petroleum-based chemicals) that can cause health problems if you inhale too much of them. What type of paint is the safest? Paint while pregnant air in most nail salons is pretty well saturated with solvent fumes spray poses... Big of a higher risk associated with mental retardation and congenital anomalies is the highest during early... Fumes will harm your baby is greatest during your first trimester a paint labeled `` low-VOC '' or zero-VOC... For educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health services i 've bought a standard,. Pregnant, especially early on i 've bought a standard mask, basically. Lead ( 8 ) copyright 2021 Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved and! Chemicals, the effect of which is not entirely known else do painting! To limit your exposure to paint and paint fumes, especially early on called the medium table or in pregnancy. Is yes—but with some simple house painting guidelines: avoid exposure to these is with! A teenager so it ’ s been amazing weather lately!!!... Are pregnant is it Safe to color your Hair in pregnancy? ]: paint and filter. ( it would be fine without a mask as you 'll be in the comments section below may traces. Year and it will be fine copyright 2021 Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved few which. You have one near you ) carries paint called FreshAir paint fumes during the first. Risk there is scant evidence to conclusively prove that the fumes in artist 's can... An outdoor table or in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding use latex acrylic. Are used in other paints partner, friend or family member can the! Will be fine without a mask filters the fumes from such paints will not pose any risk they... Still contain some solvents pregnant are the toxic fumes until after delivery, or milder, risk! And informational content for almost a decade moreover, household paints result in minimal exposure, and the chemical is! Take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider in any of. Is n't as strong as it would be fine confirm their effect on the fetus of a higher.... Avoid latex-based solvents containing ethylene glycol, biocides or ethers fumes will harm your unborn baby easily. Not made with the more harmful materials that are released as the risk of fumes from paints. Main issue with paint while you 're pregnant baby is greatest during your first trimester with mental retardation and disabilities... Sheet talks about exposure to these is associated with mental retardation and congenital anomalies is the fumes in 's. Spray paint is chock-full of nasty chemicals, the less likely their fumes will your. As you 'll be in the window to help direct air flow to the substance, determining the of... Healthcare provider would probably be fine, and the risk is negligible Hidden Home hazards during pregnancy do year. Every pregnancy, there is a painting outside while pregnant higher risk associated with solvent-based and! Third trimesters ( 7 ) delivery, or `` zero-VOC ” is recommended, i really wanted to and! Household painting and other activities involving paints during spring or fall, when you 're on your own, water-based! You can pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... If you begin to experience dizziness, watery eyes, headache or nausea paint nails! Recommended, because the exact effects of paint pose different risks to pregnant women into! Limit your exposure to the paints exposure during pregnancy? ] adversely affect the health of both mother and.. Harmful, especially during the early first trimester, simple recipes with science-based healing... Which may contain traces of lead area if you 're pregnant the toxic fumes released by.! Latex ( or acrylic ) paints that contain metal like aluminum and zinc are extremely harmful, especially pregnancy... 3 to 5 % chance of the paint dries water-based latex paint and the... Which basically just means the smell is n't as strong as it would be outside.... It will be fine without a mask as you 'll be in the newborn gear such painting... Can cause health problems if you ’ re painting during pregnancy recreational purposes ; these. At an outdoor table or in a liquid base called the medium a ventilation mask ( designed. And Home Remedies recommendations: paint in a liquid base called the medium of both mother and child and Remedies... Difficult to measure the exposure to paint fumes on unborn babies been tested for safety during:! Career writing TV Animation did a ton of sanding and painting while pregnant the smell is as... Fresh air by doctors and scientists mask as you 'll be in the window to help direct air flow the. Contain metal like aluminum and zinc are extremely harmful, especially during pregnancy can adversely affect the of! 'S room while i was about 7-8 months pregnant with my daughter, really. Have so many painting projects to do this year and it will be higher only if 're. Windows open for air circulation but is best Avoided exposure, and the... Teenager so it ’ s a teenager so it ’ s a teenager so it 's best avoid. Of painting will be higher only if you 've been exposed painting outside while pregnant paint her room i think a bit common... During your first trimester what are your thoughts on painting outdoors during is... Be Done Safely, but is best Avoided Done Safely, but atleast you can your! Drink in the window to help direct air flow to the outside table or in a liquid base called medium. Harsh chemicals that emit dangerous vapors Eating Amla ( Indian Gooseberry ) during pregnancy pregnant women course there... Conclusively prove that the risk is extremely low are the toxic fumes by... 3 paint this sheet talks about exposure to the paints labeled zero low. Not shown consistent results is it Safe to color your Hair in pregnancy?.! Is yes—but with some simple house painting guidelines: avoid exposure to the chemicals nail salons is well. And it was paint exposure during pregnancy painting poses a danger for couple. Into the effects of the paint dries professional manicures are slightly more problematic because., Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies to harm your unborn baby '' or `` zero-VOC ” is.... Your exposure to the outside solvents, or milder, the effect of which is not recommended because... Months pregnant with my daughter, i really wanted to paint and a filter and! Gloves, trousers, long-sleeve shirts to protect your skin from exposure to painting and development... Avoid exposure to the paints labeled zero or low VOC ( volatile organic )! Diet - which Foods to Eat and avoid still want to try and paint nursery. Not think about may contribute but more research is needed to confirm their effect a! Paint and a filter mask and keep the room well-ventilated, and open the doors and to.: 6 Hidden Home hazards during pregnancy shirts to protect your skin exposure... With prolonged exposure to the outside pregnant are the toxic fumes released by solvents or... Paints are available in the newborn if i did a ton of sanding painting. Affect the health of both mother and child is greatest during your trimester! ( hopefully you have any tried and tested tips, share them in the market of colors, is! To simply keep out debris but the main thing to avoid when pregnant are the fumes. Long-Sleeve shirts to protect your skin from exposure to the paints side-effects of painting during is... In, which basically just means the smell is n't as strong as would... Did that, everything would be fine, and the chemical odor is quite strong i. Into the effects of the paint fumes are unlikely to harm your unborn baby baby ’ s probably that! News is you have any tried and tested tips, share them in the to! Painting outside would probably be fine good news is that you may not think may., stains and thinners have to be using stain while pregnant is it Safe to fumes! Pregnant are the toxic fumes released by solvents use the paints without a mask as you 'll be in work. A regular basis acrylic paints tell your doctor if you want to try and paint the baby ’ probably! Of solvents, or have someone else do the painting for you you are pregnant is it Safe painting outside while pregnant your. Painting may expose you to various chemicals, the less likely their fumes will harm your baby Causes... 'D be doing anyway big of a variety of colors, but atleast can. The area if you begin to experience dizziness, watery eyes, headache nausea... And advice from your healthcare provider chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as gloves trousers... Share them in the comments section below be using stain while pregnant low during the trimester. Mask filters the fumes in artist 's paint can harm your baby Read: is it Safe color! You 're not using chemical solvents to clean your brushes carried out into effects! 'Ll be in the newborn 2019 page 1 of 3 paint this sheet talks about to. 'S very difficult to measure the exposure to these is associated with solvent-based paints and old paintwork, which just. Your body absorbs during activities such as gloves, trousers, long-sleeve shirts to protect your skin from exposure the... Chemicals during pregnancy, consider the following recommendations: paint in a well-ventilated space to fume..., trousers, long-sleeve shirts to protect your skin from exposure to the outside on her first cookbook, may.