Painting during pregnancy

Hello ladies. Well, the time has come that we are finally ready to paint the three additional bedrooms, another bathroom and family room in our basement in the next few weeks. Did any of you paint during pregnancy? This will be a LOT of painting! A whole level, five rooms total! Any advice or experience with this? I could ask my doctor, but sometimes personal experience and advice is even better! I am 12 wks, 2 days today. Thanks!

[momof11]

This question would drive my DH insane bec. Im always painting only when preg. always when preg. maybe its nesting or whatever, make sure its well ventilated, it should be ok, also careful on the ladder if you use one.

[pixijal]

Are YOU painting?  If so, windows need to be open.  If not, just get out of there.  That is A LOT of painting.  Don't get me wrong, painting is SAFE during pregnancy.  I don't know how safe it is to expose yourself to so much. I painted my sons room, in the spring, with the attic fan on, and windows open.  I left the room periodically to get some more fresh air.  

[newbie2b]

Hi..Personal opinion, you shouldnt be there.  We still have our hallway to paint but my bf is going to do it on a day that me (and the dog) arent there.  I mean, we bought the one that home depot sells and it dries fairly quickly and doesnt have much of a lingering smell but, I dont want to chance it.

[twiceadopt]

use the non-CFC "green paint" - much safer for you and baby.

[Trialanderror]

Yes, use the "green paint" as was said before and if you want to be extra sure, wait until you are way into your 2nd trimester. There are said to be chemical fumes in some paints that can in theory disrupt the fetus`s proper sex development which is "under control" after 18 weeks if I remember correctly. So wait a bit longer. It will make you feel better not having taken chances.

[mattsturle]

i really dont know how many times i have posted what i am about to post to you. But i am high risk, and i am a painter. not the ones that do paintings like on a canvas, but what you are talking about. You can ask your dr. if you are really conserened about it, but i have been painting before i even found out that i was pregnant. now at 29w1d i am fine. our baby girl is great and all is good. MY advice would only be:
1)well aired out room, or atleast a fan or two going. like a cieling fan, and box fan or something like that
2)a dust mask, or resporator(sp?) i could never wear the resporator because i felt as if i was going to suffercate(sp?, again)
3)use latex if you can. oil is soo much stronger. smell wise.
4)i never got above a 6foot steep latter.
*and have fun. now being as big as i am around the middle, i dont get on anything biger than a two foot. i would just wobble off. Be safe.

[jenstam]

Thanks! Well, having a window open in Minnesota this time of year isn't possible (: It was -20 yesterday and -5 today! BURR...

So I don't know, I go back and forth with it. There really is no ventilation down there and we have it closed off from upstairs right now. Hmm...I don't know! Maybe I should ask my doc just to make sure. I don't want to do any harm, but I feel bad for not helping!

[Crystal305]

I have been exposed to Latex paint. We are fixing to move into our house and the living room and kitchen deperately needed painting. I am 28wks. We have had our air running and the ceiling fan on but really other than that there has been no real ventilation. Is this going to be harmful to my unborn child. I am really worried.

[albertagirl2007]

well when i painted my place i used latex paint cause when i went to by the paint the guys said it was better to use when u pregnant dont  smell to much