Pregnancy marks an important milestone in any woman’s life. It is a stage when you are extra cautious of everything you consume. Besides the daily intake of nutrition, have you ever worried about the quality and quantity of water consumed by you? Have you ever thought of switching to bottled water from tap water? Do you doubt is bottled water is safe during pregnancy than tap water? If these thoughts have crossed your mind but you have never found a convincing answer to your questions, go on and read to know more.
In This Article
- Importance of Water During Pregnancy
- Is Drinking Bottled Water Safe During Pregnancy?
- BPA- The Demon in Bottles
- Harmful Effects of BPA During Pregnancy
- How to be Safe From BPA Exposure?
- Is Tap Water Better Than Bottled Water?
- FAQ’s
Importance of Water During Pregnancy
Water is the essence of life and yet we take it for granted. Consuming a good amount of water on a daily basis is your way to great health. Doctors often suggest one consume water as a solution to various health problems.
During pregnancy, you are recommended to drink more water than others. This is a time when your body undergoes a lot of changes within itself, and consumption of an adequate amount of water will help you regulate and maintain your body temperature besides helping it attain equilibrium.
Drinking adequate water during pregnancy will help you stay hydrated and prevent complications such as headaches, nausea, cramps, edema, and dizziness. Consumption of less water can be dangerous, especially during your third trimester, causing contractions that can trigger preterm labor as a result of dehydration.
Is Drinking Bottled Water Safe During Pregnancy?
As a pregnant woman staying hydrated is of utmost importance. And, to achieve this goal, you need to be sure of the quality and quantity of water you consume. So in your attempt to ensure good quality water one thought that crosses several minds is “should I switch to bottled water?”
In your quest to be safe, you all miss out on one factor that can make this very bottled water a dangerous hazard for you and the health of your fetus. Did you know that these plastic bottles contain a harmful compound called BPA? A pregnant woman’s exposure to BPA can lead to various health complications and may even cause a miscarriage.
BPA- The Demon in Bottles
BPA is an organic compound that is present in most plastic bottles. Also known as Bisphenol A, it can be extremely harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies. BPA is found in Polycarbonate plastics which are regularly used in water bottles and a lot of containers used to store food and drinks.
Harmful Effects of BPA During Pregnancy
The harmful effects of BPA are many. And a lot of studies are being carried out in this regard. Following are a few harmful effects of BPA during pregnancy:
- Research suggests that BPA exposure during the prenatal stage is linked to lung problems in babies.
- BPA disrupts fetal development, leading to miscarriage.
- It can trigger gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
- BPA can have a very bad effect on the brain and behavior of infants and the prostate gland of the fetus.
- Research also suggests a possible link between BPA and the rise in blood pressure of the mothers to be.
- It is believed that BPA could mimic hormones in the body that can disrupt the endocrine system which is responsible for proper fetal development.
- Some studies have linked exposure to BPA and increased risk of breast cancer.
As a mom to be you have to do the best in your limits to ensure a BPA-free pregnancy, thereby securing your and your baby’s health. Here are a few tips on how you can do that:
How to be Safe From BPA Exposure?
Find products that are BPA-free. Earlier it used to be difficult to find products that were BPA-free. But now, with increasing awareness and stringent government regulations, companies are taking extra efforts to deliver products that are BPA-free.
Choose containers that are not made of plastic. Avoid storing water in plastic bottles and opt for steel or glass bottles.
Never consume water from a plastic bottle that is kept out in a room that is hot and humid, or placed on a stand that has direct exposure to sunlight.
Is Tap Water Better Than Bottled Water?
Most gynecologists recommend their patients prefer tap water over bottled water. This is because:
- In the case of bottled water one is not sure of the source and purity of water, it is ambiguous. However, in tap water one knows its source of supply.
- Contamination of bottled water is possible during the process of bottling; however, one can consume the tap water after boiling the same to purify it of its impurities.
- Apart from this, plastic bottles also pollute the environment.
Consumption of clean and BPA-free water will enhance a pregnant woman’s health. It is important for a pregnant woman to take the right and informed decision so as to secure her and her baby’s future.
Survival without water is impossible; drinking contaminated water will invite waterborne diseases. So it is always best to take precautions and drink clean and chemical-free water so as to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.
If you wish to share any more information on this with our readers, please leave it in the comments box below.
FAQ’s
1. Should I Drink Tap Water Instead of Bottle Water When am Pregnant?
No not necessarily. Not all areas have safe and clean tap water. Also when you are on the move, BPA free bottled water is safer.
2. How do I Know Which Bottle Water is Safe During Pregnancy?
Always opt for a branded bottle. Research ahead to know which brands are BPA free. Also never buy bottles kept in direct sunlight.
3. Should I Boil Bottle Water Before Drinking During Pregnancy?
No, that won’t be necessary. However, if you are used to drinking boiled water you can continue that. Bottled water is purified water and won’t require boiling.
4. Can Drinking Bottled Water During Pregnancy Affect my Baby?
No the water won’t unless this is not a recognized brand. It is the BPA in the bottles that is harmful not the water.
