Is pregnancy risked by a lead painted home?
Patient: I am 6 weeks pregnant our home is 200 years old and does have lead paint i keep up with it when i notice it chipping i paint it we did remove alot of the boards but the outside of the home is a chipping disaster we are planning on siding it but did nt get to it yet we bought this home to fix up now im afraid for my unborn baby i dont sand it or anything like that what are the odds my baby will be harmed? Doctor: Hi,    I understand your concern.    Lead exposure of a would be mother  has various bad effects on the developing baby.like- Weakened bones, effect on development of brain ( causing cognative problems/ learningf disabilities ), babied tend to be underweight, prematurely born, developmental defects in later life.     YOu house has an old lead paint, has started chipping.. & needs patching off on.      I would insist that you should not be involved in painting activities. Even scraping for removal of old paint expose you to lead.. so better stay away from such work.. I feel as  a newborn's arrival expected in the house soon.. the complete painting work should be undertaken once for all with water color/ acrylic or tempera paints .     If you have been exposed for few times till now.. you should continue with balanced nutritive diet containing sufficient calcium, proteins, omega three fatty acid, vitamin E along with other vitamins , minerals / have regular health check ups ..    Thanks.