Painting While Pregnant

I painted quite a bit when I was pregnant. My doctor told me that as long as the paint you are using is a water-based paint then you will be fine. I have a wonderful, healthy, and beautiful daughter...

Hello E.,

I know that it is not recommended but I painted my daughter's room while I was about 7 or 8 months along. My husband and I found out that the disney shades of paint doesn't have such a strong odor in a well ventilated room.

I was told by my doctor that latex paint was not harmful, but to be careful standing on a ladder because my balance would be off. ... But I didn't tell this to my husband so he would do the painting- hahaha!

Ester,

I am a paint expert at a local home improvement store. The only paint that is rated safe for pregnant women (that I am aware of) is Glidden Evermore paint.

You have to worry about more than fumes. Most important is VOCs. Fumes can make you lightheaded, but VOCs can create greater health issues.

If you want to play it safe, have someone else do the painting and leave the house. There is nothing more important than your baby's health.

It should not be a problem if you are using regular paint with good ventilation and to be extra safe a filter mask. Take frequent breaks and step outside to get clean fresh air and of course listen to your body! If you feel light headed, dizzy or unusual then stop. None of the "let me just finish this one wall" temptations! Also I would not recommend you paint your bedroom or anywhere you will have to sleep or continue to smell the paint while it dries.

Good luck with your little blessing!
A.

Breathing fumes of any sort is not healthy whether you are pregnant or not. I believe you could safely paint if you keep the room especially well-ventilated and try to avoid the paint fumes.

I do not think climbing on a ladder is a good idea (painting next to the ceiling) because if you fall you could miscarry, but the activity of using the roller or brush wouldnt seem like too much to me, as long as you dont over-do it.

As long as there is enough ventilation in the room I would say it would ok. I was painting my sons nursery when I was 9 months pregnant. But, just to be on the safe side, you might check with your ob.

Hello,
There is a paint call Harmony Panit by S.Williams. That's what I used when a was pregnant, it dosen't have a lot of fumes or stromg smell. Good Luck!
Ivanys.

I painted my nursery when I was 8 mos. pregnant. There's no problem in the act of painting. Just remember to be careful not to fall and make sure you're not breathing in too many fumes... open all the windows, turn on the ceiling fans and limit your time in the room (you get used to the smell). Good luck and have fun!

Everyone says it is not safe, however, I painted, drywalled and tiled.. i did as little as I could and really tried to leave it to my husband but I was out of options and time.

my chilren are fine, but i don't reccomend it although i understand your desire to do so.

J.

E.,

I painted a few rooms while I was pregnant with no problems. The only thing you need to be concerned with is that you have good ventilation. I believe I may have painted when it was cooler weather so I could open up a window or two.

B. R

I did with friends who kicked me out of the room on and off when I was 9 months pregnant. We used Lowes Olympic low odor paint. I would certainly have friends help and would not do it alone. We also used Walmart's Kilz Satin paint. This is the best paint I 've ever used - but smells more strong.

I painted two rooms when I was about 4 or 5 months pregnant. I made sure the windows were open and that I didn't overwork myself (painting is a lot of up and down on ladders and crawling on the floor.) Anyway, my doctor said it was fine. I always use Home Depot paints (Behr) and they are pretty low in fumes. I'd limit your painting to like 1 room every other day as to no overload on the paint smell--and make yourself sore.

Congrats E.!
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 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 painted. I have a beautiful & healthy 13 month old! Just use common sense and you (and baby) will be fine.

Hey girl, paint away! I was 5 and 6 mth pregnant when we decided to paint my daughters nursery. Just open all windows, turn on ceiling fans, and take frequent brakes in another room or outside to get fresh air. There will always be people telling you what not to do. Do what you want. I did, I ate small amounts of red meat when I craved it, I drank soda when I craved it, I lifted heavy objects when the time called for it (within moderation), I got highlights in my hair every 3-4 mths etc. My daughter is 7m now and is happy, healthy, and well adjusted. Have fun with your pregnancy,dont limit yourself to what others think is right for you. You know what you can and cant do, good luck and congrats!!

I would do what your health care professional says is the right thing to do. The advice from the Maria from the home improvement store sounds really reliable as well. Good luck

i painted while pregnant. i even painted the outside of my house when i was about 7 months pregnant. my doctor told me about certain paints that weren't safe and the ones that were. it's been a long time so i can't remember which ones he said to use. and like everyone else said keep the room ventilated.

There are types of paint that are not "safe"... but, Latex paint is completely safe. Most paints that you buy these days are Latex. If you are nervous about it still you could wear a hospital mask... but, it really is ok.
Good Luck.

i painted while i was pregnant. back in the day when there were certain chemicals it was bad but they don't make the paint with it any more so u should be fine

congratulations!! that is something you need to go on gut for as well as asking your doctor. when i was prego with my twins, i helped rebuild a mobile home. i carried 4x8 sheets of drywall, plywood, painted, use tools and tons more. i just did not mess with the electric. i would not recommend doing what i did but i would recommend opening the windows, using a box fan to help push the air out and dont do it all in one day. take your time and you can even check out the local high schools art classes. ask the teacher if some students would like to paint for hire or even maybe do a mural in the nursery for hire. good luck, B. fl sahm 10,3,2,2

I painted while I was pregnant. My doctor told me that as long as it is well ventalated and you take a few breaks it would be fine. Paints aren't like they were years ago. They are alot safer now. Congrats on the baby and paint away!!