If your home was built before 1978, you should have it checked for lead and asbestos. If you detect either substance, contact a professional to help you deal with the problem safely and effectively — and legally. Avoid sanding old paint altogether from the moment you decide to get pregnant, and don't let anyone else do it either, even when you're not in the house.

A Costly Proposition

Although a lead-free house is optimal, it can cost as much as $30,000 to de-lead an old house — and the home's architectural detail could be destroyed in the process. If you can't afford to do it and don't want to move, a compromise solution is checking frequently to make sure that paint is not peeling (especially on windowsills and ceilings) and remind your pediatrician to have your child's lead level checked routinely.

Asbestos removal can be pricey, but is far less so than lead removal. Asbestos can also be encapsulated for a fraction of the cost of removing it, and that's why many people feel that this alternate option is safe enough for unused, unfinished basements. The choice ultimately depends more on your budget.