Painting the nursery?

Krisd6 · February 2014

Such a silly question but I don't have an MD appt for another two weeks. Is it safe to paint your nursery while pregnant? Have your MD's made any recommendations? I'm trying to decide if I should paint it myself or get someone to do it...I'm 26 weeks- just about starting the 3rd trimester

bcnoelle · February 2014

I would try to avoid it and outsource it....or if you must use the low VOC paint, use a mask, try to keep the room well ventilated, and take lots of breaks. It's a big job and may require a step stool/ladder.

MrsT2008 · February 2014

There's not really any reason why you can't, especially if you get low VOC paint. Take breaks and keep air circulating in the room, you'll be fine. I painted our kitchen, den, and nursery last time and painted DD's big girl room this time around.

Divine0chaos · February 2014

As long ad you are using a low odor, wear a ventilation mask, and take lots of breaks there shouldn't be an issue. Especially if you feel up to the task. The way I did it was upper trim, break, Lower trim,break, prime then did the same with the actually paint. Don't be afraid to take a break after each wall if you have too

Bootsie327 · February 2014

MrsT2008 said:

There's not really any reason why you can't, especially if you get low VOC paint. Take breaks and keep air circulating in the room, you'll be fine. I painted our kitchen, den, and nursery last time and painted DD's big girl room this time around.

This. Also, don't force yourself to be the one to get the hard-to-reach places. I did the big wall stretches that were at my level and DH and BIL did the high parts, corners, and around the floor molding. Just know your limits and you'll be fine!

LindsayB0505 · February 2014

I hate painting so I use pregnancy as a great excuse not to

ErikaLynn75 · February 2014

Low-VOC paint is pretty much standard now. You don't have to ask for it special or anything. Like PP's said, just know your limits. Painting while I was pregnant was more of a workout than I expected. I took a lot of breaks. And I think at this point I'm feeling big enough, that I would be a little nervous getting up on a ladder.

When I asked my doctor, I said "Am I allowed to paint the nursery myself?" And he replied, "Yes, but you're also allowed to ask for help if you need it." I think that was good advice.

rainbowsockmonkey · February 2014

I just finished painting mine today. I used a small 3 ft step ladder to edge up by the ceilings, and a roller on a pole to do most of the painting. I was only on the ladder for a short amount of time that way.

haylo33 · February 2014

I recently painted a lot when we moved into a new house. My OB said low VOC was the way to go. She was actually more concerned about reaching/bending a lot and trying to do too much

likeabel · February 2014

I painted the nursery and guest room a few weeks ago. I took a break every 30 mins and drank a full glass of water each time and had a snack every other time. It took me a full day to do each room and I was too tired to make dinner so plan on getting take out. Just be careful if you're using a stool!

cmatteis · February 2014

I called and ask and my OB office said don't. However, I have seen other dr.s who said it is fine.

AugustGlass · February 2014

As long as it's low VOC paint and you're not climbing ladders or anything I'm sure it's fine. I'm not painting the nursery but that's because I suck at painting.

ThereBeDragons · February 2014

Use LowVOC or NoVOC paint, kept the room ventilated, and rest as needed. There's no rush.

I'm not allowed to be up out of bed to be painting, but my SIL and BIL have come by weekly to put up a coat for the last few weeks (and my BFF came by at the start to paint and prep the room for painting). It's finally been deemed finished- next week the painters tape comes down and decals start going up. All this to say- the rooms been being painted for almost a month now- you can take as long as you like to get it done.

Of course if you don't want to do it- you can always ask for help or beg off due to the baby!

lauralou3x3 · February 2014

I asked my doctor and she told me 99% of paints now a days are safe for pregnant women. Just to keep a window open and take breaks. I bought Behr paint and primer in one. It's low VOC. Home Depot also suggested it since I'm pregnant.

LabbyLove · February 2014

Valspar has a "no voc" paint. I used it to paint the nursery this weekend. The hardest part for was painting the trim near the floor. Good luck with your nursery!

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

Olympic paint is no-VOC and low odor. I painted the nursery b/c DH hates to paint (he did help with taping though). Just keep a window cracked, a fan blowing, and take breaks if needed