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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Painting/Decorating

14 replies

littlejosh · 10/07/2013 09:39

Hello

I'm 33 weeks and due to have extensive painting work completed in my house next week (incl. bedroom).

If I stay at the house whilst the work is going on am I causing any problems at this late stage?

Thanks

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Franykins · 10/07/2013 11:46

I would also like to know about this. I am 19+5 and we are planning on having our bedroom painted next week. We are going to do it ourselves but do I need to tell DP that I can't help with it and do I need to stay at my mums for the night? Or am I being extreme? I'm carrying twins, don't' know if this makes a difference (I doubt it)

Original poster

littlejosh · 10/07/2013 11:58

Should add I'm not doing the work, but will be living at the house whilst it takes place...

OP posts:

purpleaura · 10/07/2013 11:58

Me too! I'm 31+5 and we will be decorating bump's room in a couple of weeks. I don't want to have to leave DP to do the whole thing by himself, but I'm not sure if its ok for me to help, or even keep him company whilst he paints!
I''m going to pull up a chair and put the kettle on and watch this conversation with interest... anyone else for a cuppa? :)

froubylou · 10/07/2013 12:15

I'd have one purpleara but due to the fact I desperately needed to have redecortated my kitchen diner 2 weeks ago ready for a big party we're having at the weekend I'm scrubbing skirts and paint work to brighten it up a bit!

Was planning on doing it slowly over the summer holidays and leaving the ladder bits to DP. But would love a reason not to do it lol. I'm 16 weeks so still not too bump bound to do the lower parts.

But if I have to get a man in to do it and go shopping for the day to be away from paint fumes............?

Chocolateteabag · 10/07/2013 13:33

It's a tough one - I have just painted DS's room at 15 weeks PG. And I painted his nursery before he was born at 20 ish weeks.

Both times I looked for non toxic paint (as much as you can) and kept the room well ventilated and took breaks.

I don't think you will find anyone who says that painting or being near a newly painted room is ever completely risk free. But try to minimise the risk as much as you can - ventilate and avoid the room as much as possible, don't do the gloss painting yourself, wear a face mask etc.

Use it as an excuse to get away from the house for a while (or a man in to do it) if you can. But if you can't - you'll just have to get on with it.

AnythingNotEverything · 10/07/2013 13:40

I think nhs guidance is to avoid it in the first trimester if you can, but otherwise take regular breaks, work in a well ventilated area, and don't ingest anything in the room you're painting.

On a practical note, I've found the bending and stretching bits are tricky! I can only paint bits at standing height, and I don't go up the ladder any more!

I think it's one of the theoretical as opposed to proven risks.

mimili · 10/07/2013 14:48

This I didn?t know. Neither DH or my brother believe me (I am trying to recruit them for jobs!)

Does anyone have the relevant link to the NHS site?

crazyhead · 10/07/2013 17:53

Oh God I'm mid renovation now and am doing loads! 24 weeks pregnant. I use expensive Little Greene paint which is meant to be low VOCs

BettyBi0 · 10/07/2013 18:09

I think the main time to avoid all the nasty chemical exposures is the first 12 weeks and then after that just go for low VOC products and be sensible about keeping windows open and taking lots of breaks in the fresh air.

Also be careful about looking after your posture and avoid repetitive movements as I don't know about you but I think lots of DIY and wall painting uses muscle combinations we don't often use and during pregnancy you are much more prone to ligament injuries etc

Aetae · 10/07/2013 18:18

NHS link... Another one of the 'nobody knows' things to avoid if you can. RCOG of course recommend that we avoid ALL chemicals and live in a bubble for 9 months.

Original poster

littlejosh · 10/07/2013 18:43

Thank you for all the feedback, feel I will be safe!

OP posts:

ExhaustedMamasita · 11/07/2013 10:12

I?m in a similar predicament. To avoid mounting costs, hubbie and I decided we?d paint the living room and baby?s room ourselves. However I was told by my MW, friends and family members to avoid any form of painting or decorating during pregnancy, which despite my endless arguments, husband enforced. To be honest I?m glad he did. Despite buying non-toxic paint, I could feel pangs of headaches just being around it. Non-toxic paint still gives off fumes, which can make you feel dizzy, sick and intoxicated. Not sure what effects it has on the baby but it sure as hell affects you. Best to avoid during pregnancy. I didn?t leave the house however, just closed doors and opened windows. Instead I made him tasty meals and gave him lots of cuddles for all his hard work! It?s been working brilliantly for us.

WhenSheWasBadSheWasHopeful · 11/07/2013 11:28

Well I guess dh was right. I said I was looking forward to helping to decorate the nursery. He imediately banned me saying the chemicals would be bad for bump, I'll probably be 33 + weeks by then so maybe I won't be able to help much anyway.

LittleNightin · 11/07/2013 20:48

I'm a painter & decorator & pregnant with my 1st, after finding out I was pregnant I asked my doctor if I could continue & he said it was fine. After having a scare at 6wks, I asked the nurse at the womans unit, she wasn't sure so went & asked the midwifes & they didn't know either, they just said as long as its in a well ventilated room it should be ok. I'm 20wks now & haven't really been working because of scares but I am planning start peanuts nursery & do some decorating around the house, i'm just going to get my partner to do the sanding, ceilings & woodwork & keep as many windows open as possible & take lots of breaks.

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