Very worried about paint fumes

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Very worried about paint fumes
6
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 9:59am
AF arrived yesterday on CD23/10dpo (a bit early) after days of spotting and so I thought I'd take advantage of "not being pg" and paint the bathroom. DH has been doing all the painting, but he's out of town so I thought I'd surprise him with putting on the last coat. Well, AF stopped and left Spot a couple hours later and I debated whether to paint or not. I finally decided to go for it because I am so tired of leading my life as if I might be pg only to see AF. And since AF had already arrived and left, and I've been thru this enough to know that Spot means the cycle was unsuccessful (for me), I went for it.

However, AF did not arrive today and my temp went up a tiny bit today. It never does that once it starts going down. Now I'm worried that if I am pg, what harm did I just do? Now I'm hoping this cycle does fail because I don't want to worry about any potential birth defects. I've read that paint fumes "probably aren't harmful" but does anyone have any more info?

Thanks

Christy

TTC2 C5 11dpo

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/chr1sty01

BFd big sis for 14 mths. Hope to nurse Kyle even longer!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2003
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 10:21am
I don't know for sure, but I have read and heard that some exposure to paint fumes wont cause damage. That was more for when the paint use to contain lead, which it hasn't since the late 70's. Now, I think it's pretty safe. But, if you don't have to do it while pg, don't, just in case. I got pregnant with my son just a couple of weeks before we moved in to a new house. I did lots and lots of painting before I even knew I was pg and my son is fine. I wouldn't worry.

Susan

ttc#2 c2 cd21 dpo8

Avatar for sun_flower_head
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 10:24am
There are mothers who get high the whole entire time they are pg, others who drink and smoke throughout the pg... I wouldn't really worry to much about anything the first few weeks you *could* be pg. That's just my 2 cents though

GL and sending you **^*^*^*^*^ BFP and healthy vibes ^*^*^*^*^**

sunny:)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2003
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 10:58am
Christy,

I would not worry if I were you, that early there is not much that can really affect the pregnancy since it is the early stages that most women aren't even aware they are!

If you are really freaking out, I would try to find information either by calling doc or paint company directly.

Good luck.

Patricia

TTC #1 C2 CD10

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2003
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 11:09am
I think its an Oil or Latex paint thing. I know Oil is the bad one, but remember, this early maybe even before implantation it is just a free floating little bundle of cells not actually getting anything "from" your body yet...... and I'm sure you were well venalated etc, not like you were actually "huffing" the paint LOL.

Look up your paint on the net and see?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 12:12pm
Thank you so much for all your replies! I feel better already. You all had some good points that I hadn't thought about, and I feel better knowing that someone did the same thing and everything turned out fine. I did read that even for people who continually breathe fumes throughout their pg cuz of work that there is still only a relatively small chance for birth defects. If I do get pg, I think I will call the paint company...I hadn't thought of that! Thank goodness it was only Latex. Also, I like the idea of floating...I never thought about it not getting nutrient from my body yet.

This is all probably moot because I'm sure AF will come again, but now I feel much better today, while waiting to see what my body is doing.

Thank you!!!

Christy

TTC2 C5

BFd big sis for 14 mths. Hope to nurse Kyle even longer!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2003
Thu, 09-18-2003 - 12:39pm
Christy, I agree with everyone, at this point, this early on, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just think, how many moms-to-be paint the nursery during their PG? Everything will be fine. If you guys paint anything in the house from here on, once you get that BFP just make sure you use a Water-based paint and if you are going to a use a high-gloss oil base, make sure the area is well ventilated (if you only have 1 window in the room, open it all the way and point a fan towards it to draw the fumes from the room and blow them out the window). Go into another area of the house where the fumes aren't as strong (the only thing they'll really do is probably make you nauseous or give you a headache) or get out of the house for a couple of hours altogether.

You're fine, don't fret anymore ok? As for calling the paint company, I think they'll just give you more to think about and make you more confused. You're fine, enjoy life ok?

(PS, my dad was in the paint business for over 35 years)

Susan