Can i paint nursery while pregnant

To find out more about what's in home and cleaning products, go to householdproducts. Plus, most cleansers contain strong-smelling chemicals like ammonia or chlorine, which won't hurt your baby but may make you queasy. A good guideline: Keep your windows open while cleaning and wear gloves, or opt for a natural cleanser, which can do the job without triggering pregnancy-related nausea. Simple baking soda can work wonders on bathtubs and ovens, while a vinegar-and-water solution effectively cleans glass and countertops.

While there's no concrete proof that normal exposure to these chemicals poses a significant risk to your baby, recent studies have suggested that larger quantities may harm the fetus. For instance, one study found that pregnant women who lived within a mile of locations where agricultural pesticides had been regularly applied were at increased risk for fetal birth defects.

The takeaway: If you're a mom-to-be it's probably safest to avoid pesticides whenever possible. In addition to pesticides, don't use insect repellents that contain the chemical deet. Although its effects have not been thoroughly studied in pregnant women, there are some concerns about its toxicity. However, if you must have your home or property treated with pesticides, follow the guidelines below:.

It's fine to treat yourself to an occasional manicure. Ideally, though, it should be in a space with open windows, since nail polish, polish remover, and the materials used to attach and remove artificial nails contain solvents. However, it's unlikely that brief exposure from polishing your nails will pose a risk to your baby or you. You might consider putting your hair-coloring plans on hold for a while.

Though there's no proof that the chemicals in hair dyes, permanent wave solutions, or relaxers cause birth defects, miscarriages , or any other pregnancy complications , there are no reliable studies that prove these substances are safe either. Researchers do know that they penetrate the scalp and enter the bloodstream, so theoretically they could reach your growing baby.

For this reason, some healthcare providers now recommend that pregnant women avoid such hair treatments, especially during the first trimester when their unborn baby's organs are beginning to develop.

But if you're desperate, choose a process that involves less scalp contact, such as highlights. Secondly, you want to try and avoid getting yourself in precarious positions, especially late in pregnancy, that could cause injury. And, while the paint fumes may not be dangerous, they may be a quick trigger for a pregnancy headache, migraine or nausea.

Most of all, avoid becoming fatigued or overdoing it. If you feel like you want to be a part of the nursery decorating process, then by all means dive in and let your creative juices flow. Just be careful and try not to push yourself too hard. Allow other folks to paint the ceilings, stay off ladders, and of course make sure that the room is well ventilated while you are in there.

So before purchasing a can, it is important to check the label for any VOCs present. Labels normally indicate if VOCs are present. In general, the more VOCs, the stronger the fumes. That is why expectant mothers should not use any strong-smelling product to avoid the risks associated with these chemicals. Solvent-based, also referred to as oil paints, typically used outdoors are known for their strong vapors due to the high levels of VOCs present, making them unsuitable for pregnant mothers.

And if you recall from the previous section, these fumes can have various health effects with prolonged exposure. Additionally, mothers who are exposed to solvent-based products that contain toluene for lengthy periods and at high levels may give birth to babies who have tiny heads and are smaller than average , like those with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Some of these, as well as related chemicals, known to contain high levels of solvent include paints that are manufactured as quick-drying, stains, varnish and varnish removers, alcohols, lacquer, and some acrylic and latex ones, too. The water-based latex and acrylic paints are much safer to use than solvent-based ones, although caution is still needed when using them.

Some latex options still contain VOCs, although less than oil ones, so any risks associated with them are still present but at a lesser degree. That is why checking the label of cans to see any VOCs used is necessary.

Also, latex in liquid form may cause irritation to the mouth and skin with direct contact, while the fumes can trigger eye irritation. So, while latex-based ones are safer to use than solvent-based ones, it does not necessarily mean that these are pregnancy safes. Expectant mothers should only use products that are labelled as having low to zero VOCs present and are of the non-toxic variety.

From the previous section, we know that low VOC solutions are best suited for those who are in a pregnant state. But what exactly makes this kind ideal for them? Volatile organic compounds are known to contain carbon and will immediately vaporize, which is known as off-gassing. Once they come into contact with other elements present in the air, ozone that is dangerous to both humans and the environment will be produced.

This compound is responsible for the signature smell that we know, that is why this smell is the best indicator of the presence of VOCs. Long periods of exposure to VOCs is already hazardous to anyone, this risk is even greater for a pregnant lady, as even her child may also be affected by it.

This is why ones known to contain high VOC levels should be avoided. Low VOC paints , on the other hand, are known to contain minimal solvent levels, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, making them safer to use by anyone. While they typically have VOCs below 50 grams per liter, the problem is that there is no regulation that sets limits for it; one labelled as a low VOC may contain VOCs even higher than that amount. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post.

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