Is Painting Safe?

Blonde1817

Now that I'm in (or near, depending who you ask) the second trimester, I'm so excited to fix up the nursery.  I already have the paint and I was ready to get to work on my day off on Monday.  But then I started googling and of course very mixed results about whether painting when pregnant is safe.  I plan to have both windows open, ceiling fan on, and mask on.   I'll put a call into my doctor's office tomorrow, but I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this is?  Is it safe to paint while pregnant?

ejmo68

I painted our nursery when I was pregnant as long as you have good ventilation you should be fine. I am also an artist so I am also exposed to things that are probably not recommend to be around while pregnant you just have to be thoughtful when using them and you should be fine. 

LGW2015

I read as long as it is latex-based and not oil-based, it's safe as long as you have adequate ventilation (the precautions you're taking).

kmvisioli

I always buy zero-VOC paint if I'm using it while pregnant, and have your SO do any high up work if you need to be up on a ladder.

UponAStar16

I dunno, I plan to avoid being around paint this time around but I'm (overly?) cautious about a few things, not necessarily based on anything scientific. If you're comfortable painting, I think the precautions you mentioned should be good!

missmaehurt

FTM but I totally plan on painting the nursery when we get to our new house. I can't wait to get the room together. 

babyblues3

I second @kmvisioli about the no-VOC paint. 

Painting should be okay expecially if you are wearing a mask. I might wait until closer to third tri as so much development is happening during early pregnancy. 

maysmiles

Painting is fine, but to make it extra safe you need really good ventilation and low or no VOC paint. I painted 3 rooms in our home when I was pregnant with DS and asked at the paint store specifically for no VOC paint....and I told them why. They were able to connect me with the safest paint out there!

Blonde1817

Thanks ladies, we painted the nursery yesterday!  It turned out beautiful!  It was super nice out, so we were able to have both windows open and fan going, and I wore a mask.  For the second coat, there were more fumes so DH just did it himself.  It's so satisfying to have the room looking like a nursery