Home Renovation Dos and Don'ts During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a very formative phase for a couple, but it can also be quite a special time. If you’re expecting, you might be inclined to do some renovation work so that you can prepare your house for the new arrival. However, there are some important things to consider if you’re planning on remodeling while expecting. 

As an expecting mother, keeping in good mental and physical shape is crucial for both you and your baby. This means avoiding excessive stress, but it also means avoiding exposure to chemicals or activities that could potentially harm you or your baby. Pregnancy is all about making lots of preparations. As part of those considerations, take some time to think about how you can reduce any health risks associated with potential renovation plans you have. 

By keeping some renovation tips in mind you can ensure that your nesting ritual goes off without a hitch. 

Dos

Plan Ahead 

It’s impossible to plan for every single thing, but planning can go a long way towards reducing stress in the long run. Be sure to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your project, along with some detailed plans of what you’ll need to get the job done. If you’re working with a contractor, it’s a good idea to double-check that they have a good understanding of what your intentions are and what your timeline is. 

What to Expect When Renovating When Expecting

You should also try to plan for contingencies such as delays, mistakes, and other setbacks that can show up in any remodeling project. Be sure to budget both your funds and your time. You definitely don’t want to be stressed out over a project that seems to be sucking up all your time and money, especially during pregnancy. 

If your renovation is going to render some parts of your house unusable for a day or two, it’s a good idea to have some backups (a guest bathroom for when your main bathroom is being renovated, for example).    

Keep Dust Away

Dust can contain all sorts of unpleasant things; mold, mildew, liken, toxins, bacteria, and tons of other unpleasant particles can be in dust when it’s thrown up into the air by your latest renovation project. When dust is disturbed in construction projects, this harmful stuff can spread quickly if left unchecked. So, it’s a good idea to do everything you can to control dust in your house. Of course, the best way to keep harmful particles going into the air is to avoid any projects that tend to throw a lot of dust into the air to begin with. 

Precautions to Take When Remodeling During Pregnancy

In other words, avoid drilling into or cutting drywall, and avoid flooring retrofits (so you might want to put your full kitchen remodel on hold). But you can also take measures to minimize the dust flow in your project. Be sure to cover furniture and flooring so it doesn’t become a harbor for dust, and cover air vents so the dust can’t sneak through it. Be sure that your HVAC filter is in good condition, and consider replacing it with a high-efficiency filter such as a HEPA filter if it’s in need of a facelift. 

Choose Zero VOC Paint

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the chemical compounds that are responsible for the smells that many artificial products have. VOCs are what give gasoline its sweet smell, and they’re also what give some paints an almost nauseating smell. While VOCs aren’t super toxic, they can have negative health effects in the long run, especially for children and buns in ovens. 

Paints to Avoid When Preparing Your Nursery

If you’re planning to repaint your future baby’s bedroom, using low VOC or zero VOC will make things safer for your future arrival. It will also allow you to get your hands dirty by doing some painting as well.    

Avoid Physical and Mental Stressors

In general, though, you’ll want to avoid doing anything that puts you under too much physical or mental stress since this can negatively affect your health, as well as the health of your baby. Your body is already having to deal with extra weight, so avoid lifting any heavy loads when you are pregnant, and be sure to have lots of helping hands to aid you with strenuous activities. 

How to Avoid Physical and Mental Stressors When Preparing Your Home for Baby

If you have to lift things, be sure to use your knee and hip joints so that your back isn’t overstressed. It is also easier to lose your balance and fall over during pregnancy. This is especially true if you carry anything heavy or have to go up and downstairs. For this reason, you’ll want to take it slow no matter what you do.

Pregnancy can also cause you to get easily frazzled or frustrated, and for this reason, it’s better to pace yourself in a pregnancy remodel rather than throwing yourself into it. If you choose to participate in the planning process, take your time with it and try to do it in cooperation with someone else so you’re not overwhelmed with all the decision-making.

Don’ts 

Not Taking Precautions With Asbestos or Lead

Although both lead and asbestos were banned from home construction by 1980 millions of American homes still contain harmful toxins in various forms. Asbestos was commonly used for popcorn ceilings, drywall, roofing, and even for insulation. Lead was most commonly used as an additive in paint because it helped paint last longer.

If you suspect that your home may contain either of these toxic materials, it is highly recommended that you undertake inspection and mitigation efforts before starting any work. Read more on how you can avoid exposure to lead and asbestos if you suspect it in your home. If you’re not sure, it might be a good time for a home inspection.

Toxic Elements to Watch Out for When Remodeling

Construction can disturb and/or damage surfaces that contain lead or asbestos and cause the spread of particles of dangerous materials. Lead and asbestos exposure can lead to long-term health problems, and kid’s safety is a major concern. So if you think your house has any one of these toxins, don’t take any chances, but do call in an EPA-certified inspector.

A certified inspection will help you figure out the scope of the problem so you can draw up a game plan of how to overcome it. In some cases, leaving the lead or asbestos in place might be the best option, but you can only know this through an inspection.   

Rushing to Renovate Before The Baby Arrives 

It can be tempting to try and get things done as quickly as possible so you are fully prepared for your newborn’s arrival. In general, you don’t want to rush anything when it comes to preparing for your baby. Doing things too quickly is a great way to cause accidents, setbacks, stress, and negative health effects. Take the time for planning and precautions so that your dreams of a cozy nest for your newborn come to fruition with the backdrop of a breezy mindset. 

The Planning Stage of a Remodel Is Important to Avoid Rushing and Stress

Letting Dust Roam Free 

Dust can spread quite easily in an interior environment, so it’s important to seal things in any way you can to minimize their spread. Constant dusting and cleaning will help keep dust at manageable levels, but sealing off a room that is being worked on is the most effective solution. Use dust barriers to keep the dust from spreading, and be sure to seal off doorways with plastic sheeting so the construction zone can be entered without letting too much dust wander out. 

Renovation Dos and Don'ts When Pregnant to Keep In Mind

If your neighbor happens to be doing some remodeling, consider taking some precautions to keep dust from spreading from their house to yours. For example, remove your shoes outside to avoid tracking stuff into the house. Check insulation on your windows as well to ensure they will keep dust out.