When you’re pregnant, you make a lot of lifestyle changes.
Every decision you make impacts the little life inside of you.
You know you need to be extra careful about what you are putting in your body, especially what you eat and drink.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed but hopefully, this article can help you determine the best toxic-free water to drink while pregnant.
What are the benefits of drinking water during pregnancy?
But first, let’s address the benefits of drinking clean toxic-free water when you’re pregnant.
I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you that drinking an adequate amount of water throughout your pregnancy has many benefits.
Here are just some of them:
- Supported digestion.
- Regulation of body temperature.
- Hormone creation.
- Supported metabolism.
- Blood production.
- Reduces swelling of feet and ankles.
- Forms amniotic fluid.
- Prevention of constipation and hemorrhoids.
- Lowered risk of UTI.
- Optimal absorption of water-soluble vitamins.
When it comes to your water intake, there are a few things that you should take into consideration including which trimester you are in, your body type, your level of activity, and even the weather!
Not only is staying hydrated important, but your water quality is too.
How much water should I drink while pregnant?
Doctors recommend 8-12 glasses of water daily for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can you drink tap water when you’re pregnant?
While there are few beneficial nutrients that have been added to tap water, pregnant women must be extremely cautious when consuming it.
Public water systems in the United States are usually safe to drink, but there are a growing number of cities that are experiencing high levels of chemicals, including lead, mercury, and arsenic in their tap water.
Consuming water contaminated with these dangerous elements can increase the risk of miscarriages and developmental issues.
Other contaminants to watch out for include microorganisms and bacteria like E. coli, Giardia, and noroviruses which can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses.
Evidence suggests that organic chemicals including glyphosate or atrazine can affect a baby’s growth.
Most public water supplies are tested frequently, but it is important to note they are only responsible for the safety of your water to a certain point.
What about well water?
If you get your water from a private well, it can be safe, but occasional tests are recommended to make sure your well water is safe to consume while pregnant.
Wells can sometimes have high levels of chemicals that can harm you or your baby.
Top reasons water filters are important while pregnant
Let me sum up the importance of water filters for pregnant women.
To remove impurities: Water filters can remove impurities from tap water, such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria, which can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus.
To reduce exposure to chemicals: Pregnant women may be more sensitive to certain chemicals found in tap water, such as pesticides, which can be harmful to the developing fetus.
To prevent waterborne illnesses: Pregnant women are at higher risk for contracting waterborne illnesses, such as cryptosporidiosis and listeriosis, which can have serious consequences for the developing fetus.
To ensure hydration: Staying hydrated is essential during pregnancy, and water filters can make it easier to access clean and safe drinking water, which can help prevent dehydration.
What’s in your water?
Regardless of your water source, it is always a good idea to know what’s in your water.
There are a few ways you can go about this. You can contact your local water provider, you find your local Consumer Confidence Report or you can test your tap water with an at-home water test kit.
Testing your water gives you knowledge of the beneficial and harmful elements it contains.
Armed with this information it’ll be easier to purchase the right water filtration system that will best target the contaminants and provide the highest quality water for your growing family.
How to select the right water filter?
The main thing you’ll want to look for is NSF/ANSI standard 53 certifications for your water filters.
This means that the filter is certified to reduce or remove harmful contaminants that can cause adverse health effects.
An NSF/ANSI 53 filter is certified to reduce or remove certain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, and bacteria like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, herbicides and pesticides, benzene, radon, PCBs, MTBE, and trihalomethanes.
Selecting a water filter that removes or reduces contaminants that could be harmful to you and your baby is something you do not want to overlook.
Choosing an NSF53-certified water filter will give you peace of mind.
What are the best options for water filtration systems?
When it comes to water filtration systems, there are several different options to choose from.
If you are looking for convenience, you may be interested in an under-counter, countertop filter system, or a faucet attachment.
If your refrigerator has a water dispenser that you regularly drink from, you’ll want to opt for a refrigerator water filter.
If you prefer portability, you may want to invest in a water filter pitcher.
The truth is, there are a lot of options out there so it’s important to select one that works best for you, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Not only is drinking clean and safe water important pre-birth, but it is also important post-birth.
If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want to make sure the water you are consuming is safe for the baby or if they are on formula, you’ll want to make sure that it is made with purified water.
Now that we’ve established how to ensure you are drinking the safest water possible for you and your baby, now let’s talk about keeping it that way!
Once you’ve chosen the best water filtration system for you and your household, you’ll want to make sure that you change the water filter consistently.
When should you change your water filter?
How often you should change your filter will differ depending on your system and filter, but as a rule of thumb, you should replace your water filter at least every 6 months.
Why?
Because filters can become a host of bacteria and other microorganisms that can be harmful to you and your beloved little one.
Between carrying the babe, dealing with cravings, aches, and pains – remembering which filter you need and when it needs to be changed is the last thing you’d think about.
However, it is extremely important.
Joining a program like the Home Filter Club filter subscription makes it easy to remember to switch out your filter.
Bottom Line
The quality of the water that you drink during your pregnancy is just as important as the amount of water that you drink.
Delivering a healthy newborn is a vital concern, and with the right information, you can make the best choices for yourself and your family.
