Pregnant and still trying to paint? I have some professional advice and concerns you should read before doing so. The saying better safe then sorry really applies here.  We need to protect and take care of the unborn, this is our inherent responsibility. “There are basically three categories of paint which pregnant women could be exposed to latex, oil, and enamel.  The degree of toxicity during pregnancy is challenging to predict because there are currently no methods of measuring actual exposure. The likelihood of paint toxicity depends on the chemicals and solvents found in the paint along with the amount of exposure.” (American Pregnancy Association).  With the constant changing of paint formulations due to EPA regulations how do we know?

According to the CDC, latex or water based paints pose no reproductive risks. Additionally, the short term exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy is generally considered safe.  The key here is short term exposure. The greatest risk of any harm to your growing baby seems to be in the first trimester. Beyond that, most experts don’t see a problem with pregnant women painting.  What concerns me here is the statement “generally considered safe”.  So if your baby is born with any health issues do to paint fumes and someone said “it was generally considered safe”?  How would you feel?

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