What Chores Can You Get a Pass From During Pregnancy?

As a single mom-to-be I moved houses at 6 months pregnant, and the verdict is: 0 out 5 stars, would not recommend. But I was determined to get things done—cut to me in a full gas mask applying zero-VOC paint to my brand new-to-me 1856 Victorian in the heat of July.

Maybe I overdid it a little bit, but experts do say that pregnant women can perform most chores around the house. (Your nesting instinct just did a little dance.) “There are many old wives’ tales on what chores should be avoided that simply aren’t true,” explains Dr. Kimberlee Coleman, MD, an ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in Margate, Florida. Turns out, you can continue to do most of your usual housework to-dos—if you feel up to it, of course.

Ahead, learn what experts say about the tasks you can keep doing, the ones you may want to modify and the few that are genuinely worth handing off until after baby’s arrival.

Key Takeaways

• Most everyday household chores are safe to continue during pregnancy. The biggest concerns are heavy lifting, falls, fumes and infections like toxoplasmosis (from changing the litter box), rather than routine cleaning itself.
• You don’t have to do it all: Pregnancy can be a good time to temporarily—or permanently—redistribute household responsibilities in whatever way works best for your family.
• When cleaning, take basic precautions like wearing gloves, opening windows, not mixing cleaning products, washing your hands and listening to your body if you become tired, sore or dizzy.
• Safe cleaning products for pregnant women: You can use most cleaning products as directed, in limited amounts. If you’d like to take extra precautions, stick to mostly soap and water, baking soda, vinegar— and lemon juice—and never mix with bleach or other cleaning products.

8 Chores You Can Excuse Yourself from During Pregnancy

While most chores are safe to do during pregnancy, there are a few that should be off the table.

1. Scooping the litter box

Cleaning the cat litter box is one household chore experts generally recommend handing off during pregnancy, if possible. The concern is toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite that cats can pick up from eating infected prey and spread to people through their feces.

“If a woman becomes infected with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, the infection can be passed to [baby] and, in some cases, can cause birth defects and long-term effects such as vision loss, seizures, hearing loss and developmental delay,” says Kirstie Perrotta, MPH, a teratogen information specialist at MotherToBaby.

That said, if your cat stays indoors and you clean the litter box daily, there’s very little risk of transmission, since the parasite typically takes more than 24 hours after being shed in the litter box to become infectious. In fact, you’re more likely to get toxoplasmosis from eating undercooked meat or from contact with garden soil (which stray cats might use as a restroom) than from your cat.

Still, it’s important to take precautions for your safety—and peace of mind. “We bought a Litter-Robot [self-cleaning litter box] so that I could stop cleaning the litter box and my husband could just swap out the bag,” says Sabrina H., a mom of two in Wooster, Ohio. “He isn’t a cat person, so this was a nice compromise.” If no one else (human or robot) can take over the job, experts recommend wearing disposable gloves, cleaning the litter box every day and washing your hands thoroughly afterward.

2. Painting the nursery

The potential problem with redoing your walls is breathing in paint fumes and, in older homes, exposure to lead dust if existing paint is disturbed. “It’s best to avoid painting during pregnancy because paint can release many harmful VOCs, or volatile organic compounds,” says Sydney Swanson, MS, a senior science analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Since some of those compounds may linger even after the new coat is dry, many expectant parents skip this ritual altogether. “I didn’t paint the nursery—not worth the risk. We have plain, ugly walls in both my kids’ rooms!” says Rachell B., a mom of two in Kansas City, Missouri.

Others hand off the work to a partner and steer clear of the redecorated room for some time. “We’re usually pretty even on chores, but while I was pregnant my partner did a lot of the stuff I’d usually do. We see it as: I’m literally making a human, and while I’m doing that, he paints the nursery,” says mom of one Amy W.

Occasional painting projects are unlikely to pose a major risk, especially with precautions like choosing zero-VOC paint, opening the windows and wearing a respirator.

The exception is renovations that involve sanding or scraping older paint in homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned. “Lead exposure during pregnancy can increase the chance of complications, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight, and can negatively affect the developing baby’s brain,” says Perrotta. For those jobs, your best bet is hiring a professional.

3. Climbing ladders

If you’re looking to clear some high-up cobwebs or change a light bulb in the ceiling, make sure to assign that project to someone else while you’re pregnant.

“Pregnant women are advised to avoid climbing ladders because the body’s center of gravity is shifted during pregnancy, so it’s easy to lose balance,” explains ob-gyn Dr. Coleman. Pregnancy hormones also loosen the ligaments around your joints in preparation for childbirth, which can leave you feeling less steady on your feet. If you fall, it’s important to see your doctor.

4. Rearranging furniture

Whether it’s moving the new rocking chair into place or scooting your bed over to make room for baby’s bassinet, letting someone else do the “heavy lifting” is classic pregnancy advice for a reason. Pregnancy changes how your joints and ligaments handle load, which can make strains and aches more likely.

“I’m currently pregnant with my fifth and dealing with much more frequent round ligament pain, so tasks with heavy-ish lifting or frequent bending over I’ll save for my husband to do if I’m having a day with more flare-ups,” says Dawna R., a mom of four in St. George, Utah.

So how heavy is too heavy? There’s no universal weight cutoff in pregnancy, but experts advise using a conservative rule of thumb. “Avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds,” recommends Dr. Coleman, although your individual tolerance may vary based on your fitness and other factors. “If you start feeling any pain or cramping, you should stop and rest.” Of course, physical limitations vary from person to person, and the tasks you feel more comfortable taking on or delegating may change through the course of your pregnancy.

“I’m almost 7 weeks pregnant and on pelvic rest right now; I can’t lift, pull or strain, so my wife took over yard work and caring for our chickens for now,” says Deserae W., a mom of one (with a second on the way) in Waco, Texas.

5. Disinfecting kitchens and bathrooms

You don’t have to avoid all household cleaning products during pregnancy, but it’s worth taking steps to limit unnecessary exposure.

“If you’re using cleaning products in your home, potentially harmful chemicals can make their way into your body through multiple routes: via inhalation, the skin or when you touch your eyes or mouth with hands that still have cleaning products on them,” explains science analyst Swanson. “We recommend avoiding aerosol sprays and air fresheners to prevent inhalation of fine particles. We also recommend avoiding products that contain ingredients associated with reproductive, developmental or endocrine effects, such as quaternary ammonium compounds.” (More on safe cleaning products for pregnant women later.)

Those “quats,” as they’re called, are often found in disinfectants. So if you’re itching to spray down every nook and cranny of your space to a germ-free sparkle, you might consider enlisting a pro or partner, or taking extra precautions. “I basically did everything I’ve done before cleaning-wise, because I could. But I made sure I put gloves and a mask on while cleaning with products, and I used fewer chemicals by switching to vinegar, water and soap for a lot of things,” says Alyson C., a mom of one in Blairsville, Georgia.

Luckily, the overall risk is generally low. “When used as directed, household cleaning products haven’t been shown to increase the chance for birth defects or other pregnancy complications,” says expert Perrotta. “However, because data is limited for many cleaning products, it makes sense to minimize exposure whenever possible.”

6. Deep-cleaning the fridge or toilet

Again, pregnant women should steer clear of or limit chemicals in cleaning products. And even if your cleaner is safe for pregnancy, if it makes you nauseous, put it away. (No pregnant woman needs another reason to feel queasy!)

“Basically the only chore I kept doing was laundry, and truthfully, it was entirely due to how sick scents made me. I couldn’t stomach the smell of most foods cooking or the sight of dishes,” says mom of one Zayna T.

Still, it’s important for someone else to keep up with these tasks. “Regularly cleaning the refrigerator, promptly wiping up spills, discarding expired foods and following food safety recommendations can help reduce the risk of getting listeria while pregnant,” says Perrotta.

7. Some gardening activities

Gardening is a great way to stay active while pregnant, and you can continue doing it—but there are a few hidden safety risks in the dirt, most notably toxoplasmosis. Beyond parasites, gardening moms-to-be should also watch out for heat exhaustion, joint strain and physical lifting hazards. Also avoid using synthetic chemical pesticides, weedkillers or heavy fertilizers while pregnant. Instead, opt for organic weed control or hand-pulling while wearing gloves.

8. Any chore that takes hours and hours

Whether it’s a marathon top-to-bottom hose-down or simply bending to pick up toys over and over again, some tasks become logistically trickier or just more physically exhausting when you’re working around a growing pregnant belly. “I still did all of my usual chores when I was pregnant—but I was just tired and did less overall,” says Eileen H., a mom of two.

If you can’t or don’t want to relinquish some items on your to-do list, be sure to listen to your body for signs you’re overdoing it and take breaks when you need to. “My husband works full-time and I’m a teacher at home for the summer, so I do most of the cleaning while he works. There’s nothing I stopped doing, but I did start paying more attention to my body to make sure I didn’t hurt myself,” says Megan F., a mom-to-be in Naples, Florida.

For some parents-to-be, pregnancy is an opportunity to permanently reshuffle who’s responsible for what around the house. “My husband asked what he could take on when I was pregnant with our first, and I said the laundry because it felt uncomfortable bending into our top loader,” says mom of two Alicia C. “Four years and another kid later, and I’ve never taken that job back!”

What Chores You Can Safely Continue in Pregnancy

Most daily household tasks are safe to continue during pregnancy, especially if you modify them a bit—and stop if you feel uncomfortable. They include:

• Tidying and decluttering
• Vacuuming
• Mopping floors
• Washing dishes
• Making beds and changing sheets
• Folding laundry
• Feeding and walking pets
• Watering plants

Safe vs. Unsafe Cleaning Products to Use While Pregnant

“Most household cleaning products haven’t been well studied in human pregnancy, which makes it difficult to know how they might affect the developing baby,” points out Perrotta. It’s important to know that when you use cleaning products as directed, the amount you inhale or absorb through the skin is low—so there’s little risk to you and baby. Still, because the data is limited, “it’s reasonable to take simple steps to minimize unnecessary chemical exposures whenever possible,” she adds.

If you’d like to take an extra precautionary approach, EWG recommends limiting or avoiding:

• Fragrance. When “fragrance” appears in the ingredient list with no additional information, it’s an umbrella term that can contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates, carcinogens and other chemicals.
• Quaternary ammonium compounds. Found in disinfectant ingredients often ending with the words “ammonium chloride,” some quats have shown reproductive harm in laboratory animals, according to the EWG.
• Aerosols and sprays. Their fine droplets increase the amount of cleaner that you might inhale, compared with liquids or pastes. If you do use a spray product, spritz it onto a cloth first rather than directly onto a surface, advises science analyst Swanson.
• Bleach and ammonia. If you do use bleach while pregnant, make sure it’s diluted (not industrial-strength), ventilate the room and wear rubber gloves. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners (whether you’re pregnant or not)—the combination creates toxic chloramine gas which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and nausea.
• Phthalates. Often hidden in synthetic fragrances, these are also potential hormone disruptors that can affect baby’s development.
• Parabens. Often used as preservatives, they may act as hormone disruptors and can cross the placenta.
• Other ingredients and substances: The formaldehyde and releasers (known carcinogens often found in cleaners and preservatives), triclosan (an antimicrobial agent found in some soaps that can disrupt your thyroid and affect baby’s development) and glycol ethers (solvents found in heavy-duty oven, grill and bathroom cleaners that have been linked to developmental risks).

You can search for safer options or check the ingredients of what’s already under your sink using a database like EWG’s cleaning products guide or the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice. Or DIY your own natural formula! The safest cleaning products for pregnant women include:

• Soap and water
• Baking soda
• Vinegar (never mix with bleach or other cleaning products)
• Lemon juice (never mix with bleach or other cleaning products)

Tips for Safe Cleaning and Other Chores While Pregnant

Now that you know what tasks to avoid, here are some tips for doing chores safely while pregnant.

Stay ahead of messes

Regular upkeep can help reduce certain pregnancy risks: Wipe up fridge spills and throw away expired food promptly to help prevent foodborne illness like listeria.

Choose lower-exposure products

Simple cleaners like soap and water, baking soda and vinegar can handle many household jobs. Choose low- or zero-VOC paint if you’re redecorating. And cook in stainless steel or cast iron instead of older nonstick pans, which may contain chemicals that can leach out as the coating wears down.

Get some fresh air

When cleaning, painting or cooking, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation by opening windows and doors or turning on an exhaust fan. If odors become overwhelming, take a break outside or in another room.

Wet-clean instead of dry-dust

Whenever possible, wet-mop floors and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth instead of dry sweeping or dusting. Lead and other toxins can settle into house dust, and wet-cleaning traps the dust instead of sending it into the air for you to breathe in.

Bring back the PPE

Wear gloves for cleaning, gardening, painting or scooping pet poop to reduce skin contact with germs and chemicals. Consider a mask as well when dealing with dust, mold or cat litter (if you must scoop it), and a respirator if you need to paint during pregnancy.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you’re done, even if you wore gloves, to help remove any lingering chemicals, bacteria or parasites before you touch your face or eat.

If you must do it yourself, take precautions

You already know what’s on the no-no list—but you might still need to do some things solo. “If you’re doing the cleaning yourself, follow product instructions carefully and take practical precautions such as avoiding prolonged exposure to strong fumes,” advises Perrotta.

Listen to your body

This one warrants repeating: If you develop any pain, cramping or exhaustion while cleaning, take a break and drink some water. Your body is trying to tell you something.

To Sum It Up

The list of chores you “can’t” do while pregnant is probably much shorter than you’ve been led to believe. With a few precautions—and a willingness to skip or swap the jobs that involve a high risk of falls, heavy lifting or unnecessary exposures—you can keep your home running without putting yourself or baby at risk. But if any of your to-do list starts to cause pain or discomfort, make sure to delegate the task. “In general, a woman should listen to her body—it‘ll tell her if she is doing too much,” says Dr. Coleman.

How We Developed This Article

There’s a lot to do before baby arrives, including cleaning, organizing and painting the nursery. While pregnant women can perform most chores, there are a few that experts advise again. To learn what should be off the table during pregnancy—and what safe cleaning products for pregnant women there are—we spoke with an ob-gyn, a teratogen information specialist and a senior science analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). We also consulted sources including Cleveland Clinic and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Finally, we spoke with several real moms on how they handled—or handed off—chores during pregnancy.

After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our ob-gyn medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Melissa Daly is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience. She’s also a mom who has taken on quite a few chores while pregnant—including painting an entire 1856 Victorian house.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.