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Definitely call the pediatrician you'll be using (and your OB) and ask them. As wonderful as the commentors on AT are, most of us aren't qualified to give important medical advice. I'm also pregnant (39 weeks!) and called my pediatrician and OBGYN to ask about what paints I can use. They get questions like that all the time... (be prepared to hear them tell you that you're nesting). I love doing decorating projects - I guess I'm nesting even when I'm not pregnant.

I don't think the sander would cause any damage - they get so jostled around anyway and very well protected inside. We are doing some renovations as well before our baby comes in May. I am staying with a friend while the plastering/painting is being done. We're using latex paint which has very little fumes, but just to be on the safe side. Your OB should be able to advise you. Just be careful of taking on too much yourself. One of the side effects last week from my nesting madness was a sprained abdominal muscle which really hurts. I was lifting things that were too heavy. Take care!!

I'm tickled by the fact your mother is worried about in utero shaken baby syndrome but not the fumes or dust particles! I imagine your sprog would find the vibrations and noise soothing, but you will want to avoid breathing chemicals and wood dust. I second the recommendation to check with your doctor, and perhaps to see if you can get somebody else to do the dirty work for you.

You can never be too careful when you are pregnant. Babies in utero are extremely vulnerable to toxins, so my suggestion would be to avoid the area completely while someone else does the work. Also, if you are applying anything to the floor it would be a good idea to do some research on the toxicity of the products. You might consider calling a green building supplier in your area or online and asking questions about renovating while pregnant. Believe me, from my own experience these people know a lot more about product risks and indoor air quality than most doctors because they hear about people developing chemical sensitivities all the time. Anyway, much more to think about than the vibrations, which I wouldn't worry about. So frustrating to have to think about the risks when you are in nesting mode. I'm going through the same thing right now.

I'm confident that your baby will not get "Shaken Baby Syndrome" from the vibrations of a floor sander, but you shouldn't be pushing that heavy thing around at 8 months gestation. I'd also be concerned about what you are putting on the floor, varnish etc and the fumes they give off. Good luck decorating the nursery, but get some help and sit this one out!

I am expecting and renovating my house as well. I try not to be there when possible, but you do have to go and check on the progress at least once a day. I try not to be in the house for long periods of time if there are a lot of fumes or dust. I did purchase a respirator mask at the hardware store and used it to paint outdoors on a windy day. It's big and a pain to wear, but definately worth it not to be breathing the stuff in. My sister-in-law painted indoors with Low VOC paint and a good respirator the entire time she was pregnant with both of her babies and everything came out fine. I'm not saying this is for everyone, but I would suggest to do things at a slower pace, use caution and stay in tune with your body.

completing renovations while pregnant as opposed to after the baby is born is by far healthier for your child. Definitely check with your doctor, but the uterus protects the baby from vibrations and shaking (there's a reason it's floating around in amniotic fluid in there!), and any harmful fumes you inhale (wear a mask!) go through you before they get anywhere near your baby (if at all) while if you wait until after, the fumes inhaled by a newborn are several times more concentrated and harmful to them than a pregnant (or not) adult. Terratogens (harmful fumes, chemicals, substances, etc) are most harmful in early pregnancy than late pregnancy as by now most of their organs are fully developed and the last 4 weeks of pregnancy is mainly for weight gain for the baby. Again though, check with your doctor before embarking on any big reno's!

I think that the problem might be more to do with vibrations than fumes. I was warned off long car rides by my obstetrician at around 8 months because my col was shortening. I was a bit sceptical about this warning, but when I did some research I learned that in fact it is fairly common that vibrations (from the moving vehicle) can make the uterus open when the col is not long enough and provoke pre-term labor. The vibrations from the sander would be strong enough that I think it would be best to ask your obstetrician for specific advice about this, with respect to your physical condition. If baby is high, the col is long and closed, its probably fine. Otherwise, I would think its better to avoid the sander as getting put on bedrest for 2 months would definitely slow down your renovation projects!

What about doing renovations in a property that has lead paint? I live in Boston, and the chances of finding a completely lead free place is slim. We'd make sure there was fresh non-peeling paint before our baby, but what about work done when pregnant under circumstances? What kind of precautions should one take?

sorry...what about when doing work under THOSE circumstances...

There has to be some friend that you can bribe, blackmail, or beg into running that machine for you.

Hopefully by now you 1. have a healty child and 2. you're floors were done well. I would have also strongly suggested the you not stay in the house for a least three days after the floor dried and to make sure a water based finish is used. It off gases less and has less of an odor.

Regards,
Keith