Hold off on home repairs while your partner is pregnant
It’s only natural to want the house to be perfect for the new baby. You’re probably thinking of setting up the nursery, doing repairs here and there, and painting the walls. However, home improvements and construction work can be dangerous for the expectant mother and the baby.
Things like paint, solvents, adhesives, laminate floors, wallpaper, and plywood contain chemical compounds that can be toxic. For example, benzene has the potential to damage the baby’s DNA, possibly resulting in a congenital disease [1]. Toluene [2] and chlorine [3] can cause brain development disorders, and surface aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been known to cause premature birth [4]. Many of these chemicals are found in home repair materials.
The most delicate time for a woman to be exposed to building materials is during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s organs and systems start to develop [5]. But the risks don’t stop there, mostly because chemicals are released into the environment for several months after the repairs or remodeling are completed. Therefore, the safest option is for an expectant mother to avoid newly renovated rooms [6].
The best thing you can do is wait further along in the pregnancy to make the home improvements you want for your growing family. And if you are planning a move, make sure to wait a couple of months after all renovations are completed to move in.
