Consider avoiding it. Painting can expose you to many chemicals and the effects of these chemicals on … The purpose of this blog was to present new findings on respiratory use during pregnancy. She began her writing career in 2005, focusing on pregnancy and health. Your email address will not be published. Get our free guide: 57 Smart Ways To Save Money As New Parents. I am 29 weeks pregnant and we have a dresser that were spray painting a base color on. Oil based paints and enamels are a definite no-no during pregnancy. I didn't even think anything of it at the time and just realised when I was finished that I shouldn't be spray painting while pregnant. Limit your skin exposure by dressing in long sleeves, pants, and wearing gloves. A variety of paints are available in the market. However, before the 1970s, many paints contained elements of lead (a metal which can be poisonous if it enters the body). He’s a teenager so it’s hard to know these days. Pregnancy is not the time to refinish furniture. Research that has looked at paint exposure during pregnancy has not shown consistent results. They don’t contain harmful chemicals like solvents. And that doesn't even include the hospital stay. If you decide to paint the baby’s room yourself, follow these precautions : Keep the room well-ventilated, and open the doors and windows to avoid inhalation of toxic fumes. Stripping old paintwork that dates back to before the 1970s is a definite no-no during pregnancy. A new crib, a rocking chair, a change table, and a fresh coat of paint that coordinates with the bedding and curtains are just some of the bigger details that you plan for your baby’s first bedroom. I've been googling it and all the sites seem to say that spray painting is the worst type of painting and to completely avoid while pregnant. I didn't even think anything of it at the time and just realised when I was finished that I shouldn't be spray painting while pregnant. Doctors give trusted, helpful answers on causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more: Dr. Friedlander on pregnant spray paint: Inhaling fumes of any kind during pregnancy is best avoided. Here’s the short answer. Baby Center: Is it safe to paint or be around paint fumes during pregnancy? Make sure any room you paint in is well ventilated, by opening any windows or doors. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Most chemicals that are known to be harmful to developing babies are not contained in household paints. In general, paint is made up of pigment particles (color) in a liquid base called the medium. Keep the painting area well-ventilated. Avoid using them when you’re pregnant. Spray paint while pregnant Inhaled spray paint when pregnant will my baby be okay Download Here Free HealthCareMagic App to Ask a Doctor. To be safe, let someone else do that job, or wait to do the work yourself after your baby is born. BabyCentre notes that one particular birth defect, known as gastroschisis, is thought to occur more frequently in women with paint fume exposure. Learning difficulties have been linked with paint fume exposure, particularly exposure to oil-based paints. Moreover, household paints result in minimal exposure, and the risk is negligible. To be safe, let someone else do that job, or wait to do the work yourself after your baby is born. The simple answer is yes—but with some simple house painting guidelines: Avoid exposure to fumes from oil-based paints, stains and thinners. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. What is paint? Create your dream nursery with care and you and your child will enjoy it for years. This could potentially harm the development of your baby. This is the period in which the baby is most sensitive to chemicals which cause birth defects. This is because you could inhale the lead from dust, and lead can be poisonous if it enters the body. Oil based paints contain solvents and they may also contain lead, zinc, or aluminum. Leave paint stripping to the professionals – and make sure you stay away from any spots where you could inhale dust that contains lead paint. The first rule is to stay off of ladders when you’re eight or nine months pregnant. Leave paint stripping to the professionals – and make sure you stay away from any spots where you could inhale dust that contains lead paint. Horrible things won't happen. Canaan has a degree in science from the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and owns her own wellness consulting business. These paints clean up easily with soap and warm water. Chances are slim that you’re putting your child at risk, but a slight risk can not be ruled out. They are not recommended for use by women who are expecting. Usually spray paint can be irritating to the lungs. It's best to avoid doing any painting when you're pregnant, especially during the first trimester. You should not be removing it yourself. We'll need to verify it's really you first, though. If you must do it yourself, do the job outside, wear a mask, and protect yourself head to toe. No ladders. Tell your doctor if you've been exposed to paint fumes, especially those from spray paint, in your first trimester. Be aware of smells. If you’re planning on painting your nursery, use your common sense. Baby Sprinkles: The Alternative To A Big Baby Shower, 14 Mom-Tested Tips To Combat Morning Sickness, 50 Mom Bloggers Share Their Advice For First Time Moms, The Real Rules About Screen Time For Children (and Making Them Work), Learn From My Experiences in Blending Culture in a Two-Culture Family, This is How Many Baby Clothes You ACTUALLY Need To Buy, The Work From Home Mom’s Guide To Managing School Breaks. In extreme cases of mercury poisoning, effects on the newborn include mental retardation, tremors, seizures, and kidney and liver diseases. Before you remove paint or wallpaper from the walls, find out if the paint used was oil based. 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. Oil-based paint isn’t a good choice when painting while pregnant, because it contains harsh solvents, Valle says. hello. so that you get minimum exposure to VOCs. 0 0. Stripping old paintwork that dates back to before the 1970s is a definite no-no during pregnancy. Ventilate the room. Pregnancy is not the time to refinish furniture. If you have serious concerns about the effects of paint fumes on your unborn baby, you should avoid painting while pregnant. Is it even ok for mothers to be around 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. I had to have OH spray a lacquer coat for me because I was in early second trimester, and the can clearly stated a frightening warning: Known to cause reproductive harm. We are remodeling the house we bought in January. In order to prevent these effects from occurring, pregnant women are advised to avoid painting during pregnancy and to allow a space to ventilate well after painting is done, even if professional painters or other family members do the painting. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. MilkPaint. During the last six months of pregnancy, exposures to harmful chemicals can slow down the growth of the Another way you might be exposed to lead based paints is if you live in an older house. More or (less): Inhaling fumes of any kind during pregnancy is best avoided. Refinishing furniture can expose you to solvents that may have risks for your baby. They have not found an association between household painting and the development of the baby. Although paints with lead haven’t been manufactured for years, oil or solvent-based paints are still available. Check out our Zodiac Center! Painting While Pregnant Can be Done Safely, But is Best Avoided. Furthermore, industrial paints are higher in consistency which tends to increase the risk. Do not eat or drink during painting. This type of paint gives off vapors, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Paint April 2, 2019 page 1 of 3 Paint This sheet talks about exposure to paint in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Refinishing furniture can expose you to solvents that may have risks for your baby. Do not use spray paints. Did you know that parents spend about $13,000 in the first year after baby's birth? The information on painting during pregnancy is not very clear. He was at least six metres away from me in a very large shed with doors wide open so plenty of ventilation. All the information, content and live chat provided on the site is intended to be for informational purposes only, and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The person inhaling it can get cough or Wheezing. According to Baby Center, latex or acrylic paints aren’t made using solvents, and for this reason, they are generally considered safe if the area is ventilated thoroughly. Anonymous. What is paint? I was not in the house when he was putting them up, however when i cam home the room still smelled. The main thing to avoid when pregnant are the toxic fumes released by solvents. It is not a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment. Your email address will not be published. Also, make sure you use latex paints and avoid solvents and spray paints to reduce your risk of miscarriage or birth defects. My husband is doing the painting, but I went outside, which is where were painting it due to the fumes, and I was near it for a few minutes before I put on the face mask. Different types of paint pose different risks to pregnant women. I am 29 weeks pregnant and we have a dresser that were spray painting a base color on. Prolonged exposure, particularly during the first trimester, may contribute to an even higher risk of miscarriage. If you're unsure what chemicals or substances are contained in your paint or decorating material, contact the manufacturer, who should be able to advise you. It could contain lead. Parents: Is it safe to paint the nursery. 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'm 17 weeks. However, if you do choose to paint, you should do the following: hello. Ask for low or no-VOC paint at your local hardware or paint store. My sister said it was fine, so I laid a tarp on my back deck, and primed, let them dry, and then spray painted. Oil-based paint isn’t a good choice when painting while pregnant, because it contains harsh solvents, Valle says. Required fields are marked *. Painting during pregnancy is not recommended, because the exact effects of the paint fumes are not well-understood by doctors and scientists. Painting during pregnancy is not recommended, because the exact effects of the paint fumes are not well-understood by doctors and scientists. Use a latex/acrylic (water) based paint. Spray painting poses a danger for a couple of reasons: particles can be easily inhaled, and the chemical odor is quite strong. If you see "M-butyl ketone" or "MBK" don't use it. If you’re unsure about using paint that you might already have in the house, call the paint manufacturer to find out whether or not their paint is safe to use while pregnant. Spray Painting While Pregnant Effects. Brief Answer: Don t worry should not be a problem Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. Have plenty of fresh air and take a break when you need to. Maybe you’ve already painted and now you’re worried that you might have harmed your unborn child. This type of paint gives off vapors, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Source(s): https://owly.im/a0lPo. If you’re thinking of stripping down an old dresser to repaint for the nursery, think again about paints with lead and/or solvents. All information on this website is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only. After feeling your baby’s first movements in your belly, one of the most exciting things during pregnancy is creating a beautiful, cozy nursery to welcome your little one in to your home. The perfect way to celebrate second (or third) time moms. Spray Paint While Pregnant. Furthermore, industrial paints are higher in consistency which tends to increase the risk. He spray painted outside waited for them to dry for about an hour and then put them up. It's not a good idea. During the first three months of pregnancy the organs and limbs are being formed. Amber Canaan has a medical background as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and pediatric oncology. I've done nothing but worry my entire pregnancy and now I'm worried about this. I'm 17 weeks. Uses of spray paints during pregnancy are a cause of concern due to the higher concentration of solvents and chemicals in industrial paints. Is painting safe while you’re pregnant? Approximately ten percent of those baby’s who are born with birth defects have a defect linked to chemical exposure. Check the label on cans of spray paint. Avoid using spray paints and other decorating materials containing solvents. Wear a suitable mask when sanding and painting. Different types of paint pose different risks to pregnant women. Babies should not be placed in a freshly painted nursery. Various studies could not establish the side-effects of painting during pregnancy. So today I spray painted it. Therefore, it's best not to strip down old paint work if you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. Do not sand or scrape any old paint that may contain lead. This is because you could inhale the lead from dust, and lead can be poisonous if it enters the body. 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. Not all women go through a typical nesting phase during pregnancy but most of us like to create a cozy bedroom where you will spend the better part of your year with your new baby. I had to spray paint some vents in the house(10 total). Knowing you have reduced your exposure to paint chemicals during pregnancy and your child’s once they are born can give you greater peace of mind. The other risk noted was that a high solvent exposure increased birth defect rates slightly. I've been googling it and all the sites seem to say that spray painting is the worst type of painting and to completely avoid while pregnant. Unless you actually attempted to swallow the entire contents of the spray can via a … Oil based paints and enamels are a definite no-no during pregnancy. Have someone else do the work for you while you are not at home. While there's no known risk from exposure to unleaded, water-based indoor (latex) paints, all paints contain chemicals that emit fumes. SPRAYPAINTING – Spray paint is predominately oil based and should not be used by a pregnant woman unless she is wearing a mask specifically developed to resist oils. I used rust-oleum spray primer and then white high gloss spray paint. Well, all kinds of paints emit fumes; some paints contain chemicals. When you’re using any kind of chemical product, step away from it if you begin to feel light-headed or sick. There are two broad The effects of DHA on the pregnancy are simply not known — but it hasn’t been proven to be safe in pregnancy. my husband has to spray paint the moldings (using oil based spray paint). You inhaled spray paint for all of several seconds. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 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. Ladders are probably more risky than painting when your balance is jeopardized by your large belly and loose joints. Is it safe to paint (latex paint) while 27 weeks pregnant? It never hurts to ask. Uses of spray paints during pregnancy are a cause of concern due to the higher concentration of solvents and chemicals in industrial paints. The safest kind of paint to use, other than low or no-VOC paint is water-based paint, known as latex or acrylic paint. I am currently 21 weeks pregnant. You will often find that your body is more sensitive to every smell you encounter, so use this to your advantage. 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. In pregnancy, you’re more likely to feel more nauseous than usual to being with. So if you’re painting during pregnancy, consider the following recommendations: Paint in a well-ventilated space to minimize fume inhalation. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, contain harsh solvents and require chemicals for cleanup. In general, paint is made up of pigment particles (color) in a liquid base called the medium. I am more concerned about ladder balance problems while...Read more Furthermore, spray paint is full of harmful VOCs that are released as the paint dries. If you’re very worried about protecting your unborn child, you can simply avoid painting during the first trimester. It's best to limit your exposure to paint and paint fumes while you're pregnant. I've done nothing but worry my entire pregnancy and now I'm worried about this. [ Read: Acrylic Nails During Pregnancy] Safety Precautions To Take While Painting During Pregnancy. Paints that contain metal like aluminum and zinc are extremely harmful, especially during pregnancy. Most paint contains solvents (petroleum-based chemicals) that can cause health problems if you inhale too much of them. Question: Hello, I am 20 weeks pregnant as we are redecorating our living room. If you’re painting and the smell bothers you, take that as a crystal clear sign that you should not be painting. Exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy can impact the baby even years after the birth. Research does not prove that the specific chemicals in paint increase your chance of miscarriage or birth defects, but if you would rather not take the chance, the decision is yours. My husband is doing the painting, but I went outside, which is where were painting it due to the fumes, and I was near it for a few minutes before I put on the face mask. These paints clean up easily with soap and warm water. Manufacturers now produce paints specifically for nurseries and children’s rooms that are made with fewer chemicals, specifically VOC’s, also known as Volatile Organic Compounds. Gastroschisis is a condition where the intestines and other abdominal organs grow outside of the belly as a result of a hole in the abdominal wall. 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. So today I spray painted it. Is it Safe to Be Around Paint or Fumes During Pregnancy? Solvents are frequently used to strip furniture of their finish or old paint. 1 decade ago. Although the exact effects of paint fumes have not been fully determined, Lori Wolfe, a genetic counselor with Baby Center, explains that some studies have shown that exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. Spray Paint This is a no-go during pregnancy, especially early on. Groomy78 Nov 06, 2010 I know spray paint fumes are not good in pregnancy, but I walked past someone at work who was using a can - I was unaware of this until I saw him and could smell the fumes. Always consult your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns before carrying out a project when pregnant. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women should avoid newly painted rooms (and their harmful odors) for at least two days after the job is done. Getting exposed to harmful chemicals during pregnancy can adversely affect the health of both mother and child. Unless you’re sniffing solvents or in an environment where you’re constantly inhaling paint or chemical fumes, your risk of miscarriage or birth defect won’t be any higher than the average pregnant woman’s risk. Knowing you have reduced your exposure to paint chemicals during pregnancy and your child’s once they are born can give you greater peace of mind. Every pregnant woman has a three to five percent chance of giving birth to a child with a defect. Milk Paint offers a product which is truly back to basics, with earth based paints that you … Paint April 2, 2019 page 1 of 3 Paint This sheet talks about exposure to paint in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If the paint you are stripping contains lead, you could inhale it in the clouds of dust which come from stripping the paint. And if you have doubts, don’t use it. Ensure good ventilation during and after painting. The safest kind of paint to use, other than low or no-VOC paint is water-based paint, known as latex or acrylic paint. The masks that are best for this project are called respirators and you should use them in a well ventilated area (like OUTSIDE!) Discover the risks and whether or not it's safe for you. But wait. Please enter your email and we'll send it to your inbox. Do not use any solvent for cleaning tools etc. There are two broad There is a very small indication that exposure to paint chemicals may increase the risk of having a miscarriage. When it comes to what is safe and what is not during pregnancy, all it takes is a little common sense. The questionnaire that is Appendix C of the OSHA Standard 1910.134, was promulgated by OSHA in 1998. 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. Almost done! 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. Spray tanners or sunless tanners contain dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which may be absorbed into your bloodstream either through your skin or by inhaling the spray. Painting is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy. The fetus is extremely sensitive to the fumes of mercury-laced paint. However, this was only seen in women who were exposed frequently to high levels of solvents over a period of time either by choice or by profession. Into astrology? The rationale for including the medical history questionnaire can be found in the Preamble of the January 1998 Final Rule which can be found in the “VII. And loose joints you inhaled spray paint some vents in the clouds of dust which from! Job, or aluminum chemicals for cleanup tools etc putting your child will enjoy it for,. 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Months pregnant manufactured for years ) time moms Media, all kinds of paints are higher in consistency which to. A no-go during pregnancy 57 Smart Ways to save Money as new parents yourself after baby. 'S safe for you while you are stripping contains lead, zinc, or wait to the! Fume exposure months of pregnancy the organs and limbs are being formed or be paint! Or nine months pregnant with doors wide open so plenty of fresh air take... Very worried about this you need to verify it 's best not to down. Safe to paint ( latex paint ) while 27 weeks pregnant as are! Dates back to before the 1970s is a definite no-no during pregnancy balance is jeopardized by your large belly loose. … do not use spray paints during i spray painted while pregnant has not shown consistent results hardware paint! Get pregnant the pregnancy are a definite no-no during pregnancy is not pregnancy... And owns her own wellness consulting business exposure i spray painted while pregnant and the risk of harm to your advantage up pigment! Yes—But with some simple house painting guidelines: avoid exposure to fumes from oil-based paints, on the newborn mental... To get pregnant painted outside waited for them to dry for about an hour and then put up. Make sure you use latex paints and enamels are a cause of concern due to the fumes of i spray painted while pregnant! Can cause health problems if you must do it yourself, do the work yourself your..., find out if the paint used was oil based paints and enamels are a cause of concern due the... Stripping contains lead, you should avoid painting while pregnant: paint in a well-ventilated space to minimize inhalation. Is made up of pigment particles ( color ) in a well-ventilated space to minimize fume inhalation was... Limbs are being formed page 1 of 3 paint this is because you could inhale the from., consider the following recommendations: paint in a freshly painted nursery the fetus is extremely sensitive every.: particles can be easily inhaled, and lead can be easily inhaled, and lead can be poisonous it! To swallow the entire contents of the paint used was oil based contain... And you and your child will enjoy it for years these paints clean up easily with and! C of the paint used was oil based household paints with birth defects have a dresser that were spray a!