How bad is it to be around paint?

My boss just came over to let me know they're painting the ladies room tomorrow and we'll need to use the men's room. WTF. Can I even breathe paint at 9 mo preggo? There's not much ventilation in my office and the fact that we're in the middle of a heat wave which the humidity makes me nauseous to begin with.

OB is out today but I'm hoping I can get someone on the phone during my lunch.

Stupid hormones, I'm on the verge of tears.

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

yeah i would want out of there too.

is your boss understanding?

How bad is it to be around paint?

They'll charge me for a day off and then I won't get paid when I'll have one less days pay when I go out on maternity.

I said to him I can't breathe that in and he just walked away.

I'm calling my OB at lunch to see what they say. I have no idea what type of paint to even look up if it's safe or not.

I may just have to eat the day to be safe but then it will turn into 2 days for when they do the men's room.

Message edited 8/18/2015 9:39:36 AM.

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

The risk of fumes from modern paints harming your baby is actually pretty low. From everything I've read, the very small risk that comes from paint fumes is greatest during the first trimester since that's when the baby's organs start to develop. I'm sure they're using regular acrylic paint. It seems like it's the oil-based paint that's not good to be in contact with and obviously lead paint (which isn't even used anymore as far as I know). I'm sure you'd be FINE to be at work during this time, I mean I painted DD's nursery while pregnant with her and plan to paint DS's room too in another month or so. Although in my case, I always make sure the area is ventilated at least. If you're in an unventilated area and it makes you feel sick then that definitely can't be good. I hope you'll be able to get in touch with your OB cause s/he should definitely know more about this and give some advice. I wouldn't want to take any time off work either for something like this when you need it for maternity leave. Your boss sounds like a 'keeper' considering how he reacted to your concerns about it

How bad is it to be around paint?

I just painted my son's new room and am 9 months pregnant. My OB did not have a problem with it!

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

I would see how it goes.

Maybe there is another physical area they can re-assign you to during the painting?

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

I wouldn't stress to much about it - Maybe bring a fan to keep at your desk to have the air circulating

How bad is it to be around paint?

You will be fine.

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

You'll be fine I'm sure, but your boss seems like a jerk

How bad is it to be around paint?

Unless the smell was overwhelming, I'd think nothing of it.

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

maybe go to work and see just how bad the smell is? if its really bad then maybe you can take the rest of the day off?

I painted a little bit outside when I was 8 months.

How bad is it to be around paint?

Well luckliy they aren't painting first thing, they're gutting the bathroom first. OB said it's Ok as long as I don't feel ill. I told my boss if I start getting headaches or feel nauseous I need to leave. Who knows if he'll dock me or not.
And yes, he could be a jerk.

How bad is it to be around paint?

Well I painted all of the bedrooms when I was 22 weeks pregnant and it didn't bother me at all.

Re: How bad is it to be around paint?

How bad is it to be around paint?

My office was painted while I was preggers..as was my house. Just try to ventilate. If there is zero ventilation I would take the day off pregnant or not.