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Pregnancy is a fantastic time in every woman’s life. But as you near the due date, you get bogged down by all the responsibilities of a new parent. And one of the most common responsibilities in every mom’s to-do list includes painting the nursery.
As much as a mom takes care of her diet and health during pregnancy, she also needs to be aware of the external factors that could harm the little human growing inside her. While you might be excited to get on with the painting job or hire someone to get the job done, there are a few things that you might want to know. Continue reading our post as we answer all your questions regarding painting while pregnant.
Is It Safe For A Pregnant Woman To Inhale Paint Fumes?
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The limited study and research on this topic make it hard to predict the exact degree to which inhaling paint fumes could be harmful to the unborn baby. However, household paint has been known to cause low levels of exposure. Pregnancy women are usually advised to limit their exposure to mercury, lead, and oil-based paints (1). The recommendation is to minimize exposure to latex paints as they contain biocides and ethylene glycol ethers. If you are pregnant, it is best to get someone else to do the job for you and distance yourself from the location until the room is painted. The exact level of paint toxicity becomes a little hard to measure as it depends on the exposure and the solvents and chemicals found in the paint.
The trimester of your pregnancy also matters as the first trimester is considered the most sensitive and crucial for your baby’s growth and development. Hence, it is best to hold off on any paint jobs, such as painting the nursery, to be safer. According to a 2012 study, pregnant women exposed to solvent-based paint in their first trimester showed congenital fetal abnormalities (2). Another study found that exposure to paint fumes during the early months of pregnancy caused low birth weight and increased the risk of macrosomia (3).
How To Reduce Any Potential Risk Of Paint Fumes And Ensure A Safer Pregnancy
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It is best to avoid any exposure to paint until after your pregnancy. But if you are planning to paint the nursery or home while pregnant, here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk and stay safe (4):
Avoid Painting In The First Trimester
The first 13 weeks is a crucial period for your baby for their development. Hence it is best to avoid painting or exposing yourself to paint fumes in the first trimester. To stay safe, make sure you don’t sleep in a newly painted room in the first few months of your pregnancy.
Go For Safe Paint Options
Check the label for any lead or high VOC content. Some paints may have VOC in it, but you can choose a VOC-free paint if you invest a bit more. Though it might cost you a little extra, with the right precautions and safety practices, they may be your best bet.
Instead of going for solvent-based paints, which can be harmful, opt for acrylic or water-based paints. Besides being a much safer option, they also dry fast, offer better color retention, and can be used over the previously oil-painted walls of your house.
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Ensure Proper Ventilation
Make sure you open the windows and doors in the room to keep it well-ventilated. Letting the air in will help ensure that the paint fumes don’t linger inside for too long, thus reducing the risk of inhaling paint fumes.
Wear A Mask
Wear a face mask or respirator mask that covers your nose and mouth. Such masks are designed to protect you from inhaling harmful airborne particles. If you start to feel nauseous or dizzy, leave the room and let someone else do the job.
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Cover Your Skin
Protect your skin by wearing long-sleeved clothing, gloves, goggles, and long pants. If any paint does stick to your skin, make sure you wash it off with soap and water.
Leave The Strenuous Work To Someone Else
Your painting job may involve climbing ladders or a chair or stool. There is a greater chance for you to lose balance and hurt yourself or your baby during pregnancy. So, for any job that involves climbing, let someone else take over.
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Strict No Foods Policy
Follow a strict no food policy in the paint room. Avoid consuming food in the same room that is being painted as there is a high chance for the food to get contaminated.
Wash Up!
Ensure you wash yourself thoroughly after you are finished painting. Instead of just washing your hands and face, it’s best to take a shower to get rid of any traces of paint fumes.
While you may be excited to paint the baby’s nursery with the perfect hue and decorate it for your baby’s arrival, it’s best to let someone else take the lead. Though there is limited study on the subject, painting during pregnancy may not be the best course of action, especially during the first trimester. But if you choose to paint, make sure you choose the right type of paint and follow all the necessary precautions to minimize exposure and stay safe.
