Water Quality During Pregnancy: Safety Guide

Why Water Quality Matters During Pregnancy

Staying properly hydrated during pregnancy is essential for your health and your baby's development. However, not all water is created equal. Certain contaminants in drinking water can cross the placenta and affect fetal development, making water quality an important consideration for expectant mothers.

How Much Water Do Pregnant Women Need?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant women drink 8-12 cups (64-96 ounces) of water daily. This increases during breastfeeding to support milk production.

Proper hydration during pregnancy:

Supports increased blood volume

Aids nutrient transport to your baby

Helps prevent urinary tract infections

Reduces constipation and hemorrhoids

Supports amniotic fluid levels

Contaminants of Greatest Concern During Pregnancy

Lead

Perhaps the most dangerous contaminant for pregnant women and developing babies. Lead crosses the placenta freely and can cause:

Miscarriage and stillbirth

Premature birth

Low birth weight

Developmental delays and reduced IQ

Behavioral problems in children

What to do: If your home was built before 1986 or you live in an area with lead service lines, test your water and use a NSF 53 certified filter. Always run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Research links PFAS exposure during pregnancy to:

Reduced birth weight

Preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension

Changes in fetal growth patterns

Possible effects on immune development

What to do: Check if your water utility has detected PFAS. If levels exceed EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS), use reverse osmosis or NSF P473 certified filtration.

Nitrates

High nitrate levels (above 10 mg/L) can cause methemoglobinemia, which reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. During pregnancy, this can affect both mother and fetus.

What to do: This is particularly important for well water users. Test annually and do not rely on boiling (which concentrates nitrates). Use reverse osmosis if levels are elevated.

Arsenic

Linked to pregnancy complications including:

Low birth weight

Infant mortality

Developmental effects

Increased cancer risk for children exposed in utero

What to do: Test if you use well water or live in areas with naturally high arsenic. Use reverse osmosis or specialized arsenic-removal filters if detected.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

When chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it creates byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs). Studies suggest possible links to:

Small for gestational age babies

Neural tube defects

Pregnancy loss

What to do: Carbon filtration effectively removes DBPs while maintaining safe water. Check your water report for THM levels.

Safe Water Practices During Pregnancy

Use Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking

Hot water dissolves more lead and other metals from pipes. Always use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and especially for preparing formula after baby arrives.

Run Your Tap Before Drinking

If water has been sitting in pipes for several hours, run the cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. This flushes out water that may have accumulated lead.

Consider Additional Filtration

Even if your water meets EPA standards, a quality filter provides an extra margin of safety during this critical time. Look for:

NSF 53 certification (removes lead, cysts)

NSF P473 certification (removes PFAS)

NSF 42 certification (improves taste, removes chlorine)

Know Your Water Source

Request your water utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or look up your city on our site. This annual report details what contaminants were detected and at what levels.

Well Water Requires Extra Attention

If you have a private well:

Test for bacteria and nitrates before trying to conceive and during pregnancy

Test for arsenic and lead at least once during pregnancy

Consider comprehensive testing if you have not tested recently

Install appropriate treatment for any contaminants detected

Special Considerations

Morning Sickness and Hydration

If nausea makes drinking water difficult:

Try adding lemon or other natural flavoring (but avoid artificial sweeteners)

Drink small amounts frequently rather than large amounts at once

Try different water temperatures to find what works best

Popsicles made from filtered water can help

Bottled Water

Bottled water is not necessarily safer than filtered tap water:

Less regulated than municipal water

Some brands have detected contaminants including PFAS

Environmental concerns with plastic bottles

More expensive long-term than filtration

If you choose bottled water, look for brands that publish testing results and avoid leaving bottles in hot cars (heat can leach chemicals from plastic).

Travel Considerations

When traveling during pregnancy:

Research water quality at your destination

Consider bringing a portable filter

In areas with questionable water, use bottled water from sealed containers

Avoid ice in drinks if water quality is uncertain

What Your OB-GYN May Not Tell You

Many healthcare providers do not routinely discuss water quality. Consider raising these topics at your prenatal appointments:

Ask if your area has known water quality issues

Discuss testing if you have concerns

Get guidance specific to your risk factors

Report any unusual water characteristics

Action Steps for Expectant Mothers

1. Look up your city's water quality on our site or request the CCR from your utility

2. Test your tap water if you have concerns, use well water, or live in an older home

3. Install a certified filter for additional protection during pregnancy

4. Run water before using to flush pipes each morning

5. Stay well hydrated using safe, filtered water