Safe Drinking Water -
for Pregnancy and Baby
Photo by Prince Prints
For the Mom-To-Be and for Baby: You’ll need more water to keep your system running during pregnancy. Actually, it’s essential, for a mom-to-be to drink enough water during pregnancy. And, it’s also important to ensure that your water is safe (more important than ever). All the food you consume, all the vitamins you take, everything you put in your mouth are delivered to your body and your baby via water. Water helps your body to absorb essential nutrients into the cells and transports vitamins, minerals, and hormones to the blood cells. And, it’s those nutrient-rich blood cells that reach the placenta and ultimately your baby (all with the help of water). The Institute of Medicine says that pregnant women should drink around 12 to 13 glasses of water each day (8 oz. glass). You should drink steadily throughout the day. If you feel thirsty, that’s a signal that your body is on its way to dehydration. You’ll know you’re on track if your trips to the bathroom are frequent and your urine is pale or colorless. It’s a good idea to assess the cleanliness of your drinking water – especially when you’re pregnant. Water from public water systems is generally safe – however, it can be contaminated with high levels of chemicals that can go
undetected, but could harm a fetus (think lead, mercury, nitrates, and arsenic among others). A lab-certified water test can detect these contaminants and a professional can help you to come up with solutions to treat your water. Water filtering systems can improve the way water tastes and looks, as well as keep you safe. Some filters attach to a faucet and treat the water as if flows through the tap; some treat the water at the main line as water enters your home; and other filters are placed inside special water containers. Whatever you choose, you’re safer once you’ve had the water professionally lab-tested.
Water Helps With: Fatigue, Headaches, Swelling, and Overheating
Water Helps Prevent: UTIs, Constipation, Hemorrhoids
Preventive measures that Protect the Safety and Quality of Water: Properly dispose of grease, paint, oil and chemicals; limit your use of pesticides and fertilizers; use eco-friendly cleaning products; install a water filtration system.
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