Is It OK to Paint While Pregnant?

There is so much to do when preparing for the birth of a child whether it's 
your first, or your fifth. One of the most fun and exciting activities you can perform at this time, is to ready the nursery for your new arrival. Aside from assembling the crib, dresser, and rocking chair, a new coat of paint can help to freshen up the room and help to personalize the space—but is it okay to paint while pregnant? If you're tempted to pick up a paintbrush and get to work, it's important to learn about any potential risks or inherent dangers to you or the baby, before you begin. Most importantly, speak with your physician before engaging in any activities about which you have uncertainty or concern.

The Basics

The best way to ensure the health of you and your baby during the painting process is to follow a few basic rules, including:

• Ventilate. Proper airflow is critical to anyone who is painting, whether pregnant or not. You can significantly reduce or eliminate exposure to any potentially harmful fumes, by ventilating the room using a combination of fresh air and fans. Choose a day when the weather is warm and dry, and open the window(s). If there is only one window in the room, open one in an adjacent room to create a cross breeze or place a floor fan in the doorway set on low. In addition to the helping with the fumes, fresh air can significantly shorten the drying time as long as the humidity is low.

• Keep your feet on the ground. While you may feel balanced your center of gravity can change while pregnant, and even more so in the last trimester. Avoid using a ladder or step stool to paint, opting for an extension pole or help from friends or family to reach higher areas.
• Choose your paint wisely. Low VOC paints are made with fewer chemicals making them perfect for the nursery, and they clean up easily with soap and water to there is no need to use harsh solvents.
• Use your nose. If you feel lightheaded or nauseous, or are simply put off by the smell of the paint, don't force your way through it: your body is trying to tell you that you shouldn't be painting.

• Hire a professional. If you have any reservations or concerns, hire the professionals at Five Star Painting to complete your project on time and on budget.

The Risks

There seems to be no definitive evidence that temporary, mild exposure to paint fumes are harmful to an unborn child, although lead based paints and chemical solvents pose a greater than average risk.

As with any other activity you engage in or product you purchase while pregnant, take a common sense approach and listen carefully to your body.

A freshly painted nursery is a great way to welcome the latest addition to your family. Avoid the risks associated with painting while pregnant, and count on Five Star Painting to do the work for you. Our team of experienced professionals use only the finest quality materials, and are dedicated to excellence in quality and service. Call us today at 888-261-3633, or contact us online to schedule an estimate for interior or exterior painting.