Painting during pregnancy - opinions

[Flamingo84]

I need some opinions on whether it’s ok to paint the nursery at 17wks pregnant.

DH is completely against it (he’s read up on everything under the sun and become a pregnancy expert 🙄!) and doesn’t want me anywhere near when he paints the nursery and our bedroom.

Physically, I think I could do some of it as long as I had a bit of a break but he’s concerned about the fumes. I suggested wearing one of those decorators masks but he’s not having it!

As a bit of background, I decorated the whole house when we moved in and he hasn’t really painted before. I’m used to doing it and am dreading what it’ll look like when he’s done!

My friends think it’ll be fine and don’t see what the issue is. The official guidelines are a bit mixed but what have you guys done?

I decorated my daughter's room when i was 29 weeks pregnant. I just avoided anything that meant standing on a ladder, so I left the high bits for my dh.

I painted our kitchen at 29 or so weeks with ds. We had the windows open and to be honest, I think me stood on the kitchen units to reach the tops of the walls was probably more dangerous. I took plenty of breaks and kept everything well ventilated. Both ds and I are fine.

I'm 28 weeks with my second and am considering repainting the hall before the baby arrives on the grounds I won't want to do it afterwards.

I did without a thought tbh... although I do think it’s actually lovely that he’s being so protective.

I would’ve thought fumes from all cleaning products potentially harmful tbh so he should prob make sure he does all of that too...

Also as you have more experience I’d set up a chair and a cup of tea so you can supervise the painting. That way you’re on hand with lots of helpful tips and suggestions and in case he doesn’t notice any mistakes he makes

If you’re worried could you use a water based paint such as Farrow and Ball? Very few fumes, it doesn’t smell at all.

It’s fine. Just make sure the room is well ventilated.

I did but used the water based paints. Someone told me to avoid the chemically treated ‘breathe easy’ ones but tbh provided the space was well ventilated I’m sure it would be fine.

A note on decorator masks (and other masks that people use, such as pollution masks): they protect against particulates, not gases. You're breathing in the same air either way, unless you've actually hooked up a gas cylinder for a separate air supply.

The effectiveness against particulates is highly variable, depending on the material of the mask and the fit. The most effective ones need a close fit, and tend to be sweaty and uncomfortable.

That said, I'm not sure painting a room is a particularly high risk activity myself, but then I haven't looked in to it. Just cautioning against assuming a safety measure is actually effective.

Here's the NHS advice on it: www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2531.aspx?CategoryID=54

Based on that I decided not to decorate in the first trimester, but to crack on from then - but even that is more cautious than they really suggest is necessary

No definitely not ok. I found it much safer to leave all things like that to DH. I watched Netflix and ate biscuits with my feet up. For the good of the baby.

I dyed my hair throughout pregnancy.

Yes you can paint
They’re mostly water based now anyway

I’ve got to decorate and I live alone so got to do it myself. I think pollution from cars is probably more dangerous

Thank you!

@moreismore he is being very sweet. He’s always been amazing but the baby has brought out the protective side of him!

@lisasimpsonsbff thanks for the link. Seems like it’s ok from what they say. More personal preference.

@waffleflump I hadn’t thought of that with the masks! face palms.

@Merrymarigold haven’t ventured into dying my greys yet! Do you think I can get away with pretending I’ve just got a bit of paint in my hair for a few months! 😂

Being a supervisor/tea maker/Netflix watcher sounds like a lot more fun to be honest! I have a week to negotiate before he starts. I have a feeling he might get a bit overwhelmed after a few hours and rethink his stance!

Me being me I'd be like 'ok well just to be on the safe side...' and let him do the lot. His choice! 🤣