When pregnant, painting the nursery is one of the first things an expecting mother will do. But painting can be dangerous when pregnant so it’s important to remember these tips to ensure your safety and the safety of your baby.

Clear the Room

Whatever room you choose to paint, it’s vital to clear that area of any furniture, boxes, or anything that you can trip over. It’s small things like this that pregnant women need to be aware of, because a fall could cause injury to you or your child. If it’s not possible to completely empty the space, then move everything to the middle of the room. While painting, keep things tidy by having specific spots for paint and the tools you’re using.

Use Low-VOC Paint

When pregnant, there are a lot of things you wouldn’t think of that can cause harm to your baby. One that is often overlooked are volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). VOC’s can be emitted by new carpet, vinyl, cleaning supplies, paint, and much more. Many VOC’s found in paint are linked to asthma, neuro-developmental problems, birth defects, and cancer. Even if you have someone else do the painting for you, paints with high levels of VOC can emit gas for the next three to five years. If you’re doing a home renovation, be sure to follow these tips.

Open Windows

Keep windows open in order to properly ventilate your home. It’ll be safer for you and your baby, as well as allow the paint to dry evenly.

Avoid Step Stools

Once you’re in your second or third trimester, your balance isn’t what it used to be. Avoid stepping onto step-stools or chairs to get the hard-to-reach places. It’s better to play it safe and get some assistance.

Wear Breathable Clothing

Overheating your body can happen quickly when painting. Wearing comfortable, breathable clothes can help to prevent this. It can also give you a free range of motion, preventing potential accidents.

Take It Easy

The last thing you want to do is over exert yourself. Painting an entire room takes time, so it’s okay to take breaks and do it over a couple of days. Stay hydrated and eat snacks in order to preserve your energy. For best results, try to finish a wall a day. You’ll get a smoother finish if you do an entire wall in a day as opposed to breaking it up.

 
It’s not recommended to paint while pregnant because of the health risks, so if you choose to paint yourself, be sure to take these precautions.
If you don’t want to risk health problems for you and your baby, hire Sound Finish to paint your cabinets for you. Sound Finish only uses low-VOC paints and removes cabinet doors and paints them outside to reduce any fumes in your home.

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