Yes, you can paint a room while pregnant, but it is extremely important that you use only certain types of paint and follow strict safety rules. Health experts, like the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), say it’s “highly unlikely” that modern, water-based house paints will harm your baby. The American Pregnancy Association agrees, noting that the chemical exposure from a typical household painting project is very low.
However, not all paints are safe. The “better safe than sorry” feeling is completely normal when you’re expecting, and this guide is designed to give you clear, responsible advice.
First, put these three critical rules in the first hand, in case you feel TL; DR
- Choosing the Right Paint: This is the most important step. Only some paints are safe to use.
- Getting the Timing Right: Knowing the best time during your pregnancy to paint.
- Following Strict Safety Steps: Using the correct gear and methods to protect yourself and your baby.
Why Paint Fumes Are a Concern in Pregnancy
While the risk from modern water-based paint is low, it’s not zero. The main worries come from specific chemicals found in certain types of paints and in older layers of paint. It’s important to know that painting a nursery for a weekend is very different from working with strong chemicals every day at a job. The health risks are not the same.
What Are VOCs and Solvents?
That “new paint smell” comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that turn into a gas and go into the air. Breathing in a lot of VOCs can make you feel dizzy, sick to your stomach, or give you a headache. They can also bother your eyes and throat.
For a growing baby, it’s best to be very careful. Some studies show that long-term exposure to strong chemicals (solvents) during pregnancy might raise the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. A 2012 study found a link between being around paint fumes in the first trimester and a higher risk for certain birth defects.
Look out for these chemicals on paint labels and avoid them:
- Toluene and Xylene
- Benzene
- Ethylene Glycol Ethers and Biocides
Why You Must Avoid Oil-Based Paints
Health organizations like the NHS specifically warn pregnant women to avoid using solvent-based (oil-based) paints and nearly all spray paints.
These products are considered unsafe because they contain high levels of harsh chemicals and VOCs that can get into your bloodstream and reach the baby. Spray paints are especially dangerous because they create a fine mist that is very easy to breathe in, sending a high concentration of chemicals directly into your lungs.
The Biggest Danger: Lead Paint
The most serious and non-negotiable risk is lead-based paint. Lead was banned in house paint in the U.S. in 1978, but homes built before then often have lead paint on the walls and trim.
There is no safe level of lead exposure for a developing baby. If lead gets into the mother’s blood, it can cross the placenta and cause serious, irreversible harm, including:
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Damage to the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system
- Learning and behavior problems later on
The danger comes from scraping or sanding old paint, which creates invisible lead dust you can breathe in. A pregnant woman should never be involved in removing or preparing old paint. It is strongly recommended that you leave the house entirely during any renovation that disturbs old paint and not return until it has been professionally cleaned up.
How to Choose Pregnancy-Safe Paints
Choosing the right paint is the most important part of a safe project. Modern, water-based paints are the only safe option.
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based: Which is More Suitable for Pregnant Women
The first and most important choice is to use a water-based paint. These are often called “latex” or “acrylic” paints. They are the only type of paint recommended as safe to use during pregnancy because they have far fewer harmful chemicals than oil-based paints. They are also easy to clean up with just soap and water, so you don’t need to use harsh paint thinners.
Reading the Labels: Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paints
Within water-based paints, the safest options are labeled “Low-VOC” or “Zero-VOC”.
- Low-VOC: These paints have fewer VOCs than regular paints.
- Zero-VOC: These are the safest choice available. They have almost no VOCs in the paint base, so they have little to no smell.
Here’s a key tip: while the paint base might be Zero-VOC, the color added at the store can put VOCs back in. Ask the store to use low- or zero-VOC colorants if they have them.
Natural Paint Options
If you want to avoid synthetic paints, there are natural options. Milk paint is a non-toxic choice made from natural ingredients. Other natural finishes like limewash are also zero-VOC and breathable, which can help improve air quality.
| Paint Type | Key Chemicals | Risks During Pregnancy | Precautions | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oil-Based Paint |
High levels of solvents, high VOCs | High risk. Fumes are strong and chemicals can reach the baby. | AVOID COMPLETELY. | ★☆☆☆☆ |
|
Spray Paint |
Usually oil-based, high VOCs, fine mist | Very high risk of breathing in fumes. | AVOID COMPLETELY. | ★☆☆☆☆ |
|
Standard Water-Based |
Lower VOCs, some chemicals | Low risk, but fumes can still cause headaches or nausea. | Good airflow and safety gear are a must. | ★★★☆☆ |
|
Low-VOC Water-Based |
Reduced VOCs | Very low risk. A safe option with normal safety steps. | Great airflow and proper safety gear recommended. | ★★★★☆ |
|
Zero-VOC Water-Based |
Almost no VOCs (check colorants) | Lowest risk. The safest and most recommended choice. | Follow all safety steps for total peace of mind. | ★★★★★ |
SANVO’s Painting Materials Recommendation
Although we are not suggesting using spray paint during pregnancy, if you must work with spray paint, then these two products are recommended, which have lower health hazards.
Water-based wall spray paint
Lead-Free Spray Paint
Click the next blog to learn “How to Paint a Room When Pregnant”
