My husband and I bought a house that we have been fixing up. Now we are down to just painting everything. So far I have stayed away from all the priming and any painting done, but I am starting to feel bad that he is doing everything by himself. Is it safe for me to paint or should I keep staying away from it and deal with my guilt? I am almost 12 weeks pregnant.

You should really wait until you hit your second trimester if you intend to do any painting. While it isn't advised by all doctors... my doctor said as long as the windows are open and the fan/air is on, and the room is well ventilated, you should be fine. It is more the fumes you are inhaling that you have to worry about. But by the time you are in the second trimester, most major development has occurred, so you are safer... once you venture into the third trimester, you will want to refrain, as your babies lungs will be developing. I painted my son's room about 2 weeks ago... im twenty weeks right now. I would ultimately follow the advise of your doctor though...

Also, if you are using oil based paint do not go into the room until it is dry and aired out. If it is water based (latex) you should be okay. Just make sure there is plenty of ventilation and take breaks often. Other than that I would ask your doctor and see what he/she says.

Please hold off in doing any painting . Is painting worth the risk?

Have you discussed this with your doctor? The primary concern is ventilation.

I did ask my doctor at my 8 week visit and she said to hold off. I just wanted others advice simply because I feel guilty that my husband is doing all the work while I sit at home taking a nap or watching TV. Right now he is over at the house painting away and here I am sitting at the computer doing nothing. I know it isn't worth the risk and that is why I haven't done any of the painting (except pick out the colors). I just wanted reassurance that I am not overreacting and that I am doing the right thing.

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Originally Posted by bekah876

I did ask my doctor at my 8 week visit and she said to hold off. I just wanted others advice simply because I feel guilty that my husband is doing all the work while I sit at home taking a nap or watching tv. Right now he is over at the house painting away and here I am sitting at the computer doing nothing. I know it isn't worth the risk and that is why I haven't done any of the painting (except pick out the colors). I just wanted reassurance that I am not overreacting and that I am doing the right thing.

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Just remember you are not doing nothing. You are growing another human being, and whether you feel it, it is hard work for your body. :) I wouldn't feel guilty at all.

Just think of it in a different light.I know you feel guilty about not helping, but how much more guilty would you feel if the fumes harmed your baby? I am sure that your husband understands, and I am sure he wouldn't want you putting baby in harms way. Doctor knows best about this, so listen to that advice.

Just tell him you will pay him back with the middle of the night visits with the new baby. Maybe even make him a coupon book for all his painting efforts.

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Originally Posted by bekah876

My husband and I bought a house that we have been fixing up. Now we are down to just painting everything. So far I have stayed away from all the priming and any painting done, but I am starting to feel bad that he is doing everything by himself. Is it safe for me to paint or should I keep staying away from it and deal with my guilt? I am almost 12 weeks pregnant.

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Your first duty is to take care of your baby. Do not feel guilty by thinking of it now. It will all work out when you are with your baby after delivery when you find you have more than a fair share of hard work looking after the baby.

It is important to take care of yourself now. Your baby needs all the help. You need not get to painting but you can see to it that you take care of the other little bits so that your husband is happy painting. Do not harm yourself anyway now. Everye understands. Take care and enjoy yourself