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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Pregnancy Not Confirmed, Fumes From Spray Paint Very Hard. Could Have Affected Fetus?

Hi, my husband and I are TTC and I may or not be in the very early stages of pregnancy. I wasn't thinking and started a spray paint project. I tried to ventilate the area but the fumes were really bad so I stopped the project 10 minutes in. Is it possible that this could have done any harm or affect my potential pregnancy?
Thu, 24 Oct 2013
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

It is unlikely that the spray could have done any harm to your potential pregnancy.

The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. But it's impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. This is because it's very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting.

Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies, although the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low.

Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester (weeks 0-13). This is because your baby's organs start to develop during the first trimester. Any harmful fumes or chemicals at this stage could affect your baby more severely.

Therefore, as a precaution it's best to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th week of your pregnancy.

Hope this helps
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Pregnancy Not Confirmed, Fumes From Spray Paint Very Hard. Could Have Affected Fetus?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. It is unlikely that the spray could have done any harm to your potential pregnancy. The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. But it s impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. This is because it s very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting. Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies, although the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low. Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester (weeks 0-13). This is because your baby s organs start to develop during the first trimester. Any harmful fumes or chemicals at this stage could affect your baby more severely. Therefore, as a precaution it s best to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th week of your pregnancy. Hope this helps