Tips for Expecting Moms & Dads on How to Safely Paint Your Home While Pregnant
Pregnancy is such an exciting time -- full of joy and anticipation! But it can also lead to anxiety, bringing up a lot of questions about health and safety. Before getting lost in the Google rabbit hole, searching things like “can you paint while you are pregnant”, here's some practical, no frills advice from like-minded health conscious builder mom, Jen Stout.
Let's talk about key considerations for a home, including the safest ways to paint your walls, furniture & cabinets, along with a few must-know prego tips! You already have a lot on your mind, so let's get to it, shall we?
Understanding the Potential Risks for Your Baby
Painting is a great way to add some color to your home or get your baby's nursery ready. But before you dive into "nesting mode", know that painting while pregnant can be safe—so long as you take a few simple steps to avoid the effects of those pesky paint fumes. Same advice applies for dads doing the painting, too!
Why is it dangerous to paint while pregnant?
Some studies show that being around strong chemicals, like the ones in traditional household paint, during pregnancy could raise the risk of miscarriage or cause problems for your baby, like birth defects or learning difficulties as they grow.
But fear not moms-to-be! You can paint your baby's room, baby's furniture and more, safely and in the comfort of your own home. We outline what to look for in safe paints and the chemicals to avoid so you and baby can be safe during this very special and exciting time :)
What are the safest paints to use while pregnant?
First, let's talk about the two main types of house paint:
Oil-based paints
Water-based paints
Oil-based paints & the effects of paint fumes on pregnancy ⚠
While oil paint can create some beautiful works of art, it comes with risks, especially for pregnant women, children, and pets.
Oil paints contain strong chemical VOCs that offgas into airborne fumes. Once these fumes from the VOCs are inhaled, these harmful chemicals will enter your bloodstream and can cross into the placenta. Symptoms of exposures can include headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. While this kind of exposure it not healthy for anyone, it's especially harmful for a developing fetus inside the womb.
A fetus is particularly sensitive to chemicals during the first trimester of pregnancy because this is when most major organs and systems are developing, making it a critical period for potential damage from exposure to harmful substances. Being said, when it comes to paint fumes and pregnancy third trimester -- exposures anytime during pregnancy can be damaging for you and your baby, which is why we recommend avoiding oil-based paints.
Another downside to oil-based paints is the need for strong solvents like turpentine to clean the paint and brushes, as well as paint thinners, adding more to the toxic soup on the walls. (If this sounds a bit doomsday, that's ok -- it should.)
Water-based paints & the effects of painting while pregnant
A water-based paint means it contains water as a solvent instead of petroleum oil solvents. Water-based paints dry quickly, have less smell, and are better for the environment than oil-based ones.
There are three kinds of waterbased paints:
latex paint
mineral paint
acrylic paint
...Is it safe to paint during pregnancy with latex paint?
Latex is a natural substance which comes from the sap of rubber trees. However latex paint nowadays is not natural. It's made with synthetic latex and has a couple big flaws. The first has to do with performance, and it's a well-known issue with latex paint. It's not durable. This is the low VOC paint that easily flakes off and scratches, giving the other low VOC paints a bad rap. With a kid in the near future, paint that's not durable just isn't practical.
Secondly, many latex paints are also hybrids with oil-based ingredients, blurring the line for what's truly water based paint. Bottom line, even a low VOC latex paint can emit harmful fumes for you and your baby during pregnancy.
...Is it dangerous to paint while pregnant with mineral paint?
Some mineral paint brands have developed clean formulations and are relatively safe. Mineral paint provides a very distinct opaque look on walls and will vary in shades and hues, for an old world look and feel. The downside to mineral paints is they are expensive and the color selections are limited. Keep in mind that if you decide to use mineral paint while pregnant, it's especially important that the walls be properly primed (with a nontoxic primer), so they won't soak up the mineral paint.
...Can you paint while pregnant with acrylic paint?
Waterbased acrylic paint uses water and inert acrylic as the main ingredients. Acrylic paints have become the gold standard in terms of durability and longevity. They are much more UV resistant and won't fade over time like oil-based paints do.
Besides being easy to apply and low VOC, it's important to check the ingredients as brands will vary vastly on what is included in their acrylic formulations. Watch out for ingredients like ammonia, acetone, paraffin and chemicals considered "exempt solvents."
Acrylic is unique in that is has the ability to help protect the surface from moisture as well.
...Low VOC paint and pregnancy
Given the effects of breathing paint fumes during pregnancy can be risky for mom and baby, it's best to go with water-based paints. They easily clean up with soap and water and contain less chemicals compared to oil-based paints.
Among the water based paint options, many are low VOC -- but there's a big difference between what's healthy in terms of the effects of breathing paint fumes during pregnancy. The difference between low VOC vs Zero VOC can mean your home has either poor indoor air quality or clean healthy indoor air. This is why it's important to use zero voc paint!
TIP: Water based Zero VOC paint is not only a healthier choice, but also a more practical one, since you can just rinse the brushes in water when you need a break.
What to be cautious about when planning to safely paint while pregnant:
Harmful Chemicals
Many other paint products like primers and additives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Remember to consider the entire painting process, because these substances can affect your baby's development, especially in the first trimester when your baby's organs are forming. During pregnancy, women have a higher sensitivity to environmental toxins. It's important to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals and fumes for both mom's health and wellness and baby, too.
Breathing in Fumes
Nausea and headaches are already commonplace during pregnancy due to those mega hormonal changes. Besides the strong smells from paint, consider the cleaning products you're using, clothing detergent, and other chemicals around the house. Opt for plant-based cleaners and avoid chemical pesticides at all costs.
What You Can't Smell
By now you know that the majority of paints contain harmful solvents. But what's surprising is some of these unsafe chemicals have no odor. For example, benzene, a petroleum solvent and common VOC found in most paints, can offgas fumes for years without you knowing. This often goes undetected, since there's not really a smell. So as often as we preach to trust your nose, in some instances it goes beyond what your body is able to tell you.
Physical Strain
Painting usually involves physical activities like climbing ladders or reaching up high, which can be tiring and put a strain on your already stretched body. Make sure to take breaks every 20-30 minutes or any time your body requires, if you start feeling tired. Listen to your body and take it easy when tackling any physical tasks when pregnant.
Lifting
When you're pregnant, your stomach muscles will eventually separate to accommodate the space your growing little one needs inside your belly. This means it will become increasingly difficult to lift anything heavy, including full paint cans. Enlist the help of dad, or a friend. They will enjoy being a part of the paint party! And don't worry, your stomach muscles will go back together after birth... Tip - look into girdles to help with this important post-partum healing process.
Tips for Keeping Mom & Baby Safe
To help with reducing the risks of painting while pregnant, we recommend:
Choosing high-quality nontoxic paints. Go for paints that contain no harmful chemicals and are generally safer for humans, babies, and pets.
Using a paint that's durable. Painting is a long term investment in the beauty of your home and your family's wellness. Being said, your paint should hold up to wear and tear and climate changes.
Keeping it practical. One paint we haven't mentioned yet is milk paint. While it's a fun idea, there's no way to paint your walls with milk and it not turn sour and rot without the use of chemical preservatives. Plus your walls will smell like milk, just FYI.
Having proper ventilation. Always paint in well-ventilated areas by opening windows and using fans.
Taking frequent breaks. Limit your time spent painting at one stretch and take breaks often. It's important to not overexert yourself (yes, we're talking to you super mom!)
Drinking plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated. Waiting until you're thirsty means you're already at the point of mild dehydration.
Wearing protective gear. Remember to always protect yourself. Wear long sleeves and gloves to avoid getting paint on yourself. Even if you're using nontoxic paint, using eye protection and a mask is recommended to avoid inhaling particulates from paint sprayers.
Can I Sleep in a Freshly Painted Room While Pregnant?
If you've just painted a room with zero voc paint, and are wondering how long after painting is it safe for baby and you to sleep in there, know that it's best to wait 24 - 48 hours. This allows time for any residual paint smells to go away and time for the paint to cure properly.
Portable air purifiers are a wonderful addition to your healthy home arsenal. We personally recommend Austin Air Purifiers, but there are plenty of options on the market to help with any residual paint odors that may linger for a couple weeks, which is common with the darker paint colors.
The verdict on what paint is safe during pregnancy
Always prioritize your health above all else; check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about activities during this special time in your life. It's wonderful that you're taking the time to research what paint is safe during pregnancy, so you can enjoy creating a beautiful space for your growing family—safely!
Remember that a truly zero VOC paint shouldn't have ingredients like acetone, ammonia, paraffin wax, exempt solvents, or biocides. Sadly these chemicals are commonly found in low VOC and no VOC paints available in the big box stores as well as specialty paints online.
The real challenge here is labeling isn't standardized. So as healthy home builders and parents, Jen and Rusty found it necessary to formulate their own paints. This is how the line of real zero VOC Healthier Homes paints was born!
These paints are mom approved. And besides being truly zero VOC, Healthier Paints seal the surface of your walls, furnishings and cabinets. Sealing the painted surface means you're locking in fumes from previous paint jobs and formaldehyde fumes from building materials behind the walls. This is when paint truly becomes an investment in not only beauty but your family's wellness...
And time for a happy dance, because Healthier Homes paints can be color matched to any brand paint color imaginable! Happy painting :)
More FAQs about the risks of painting while pregnant...
What are the most frequent effects of breathing paint fumes during pregnancy?
Breathing in paint fumes can lead to various effects on pregnant women, including:
Increased risk of headaches
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Respiratory discomfort
If you notice any adverse effects while painting, stop immediately and get some fresh air. Always prioritize your well-being over completing any task.
