Water Quality During Pregnancy: A Complete Guide
What to test for, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself during pregnancy.
Priority contaminants during pregnancy
Lead: Crosses the placental barrier. Associated with low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental delays. No safe level. Test and filter. PFAS: Associated with preeclampsia, thyroid disruption, and reduced immune response. Detailed PFAS guide. Nitrate: Above 10 mg/L, associated with methemoglobinemia. Disinfection byproducts: Some studies link high THM exposure to increased miscarriage risk.
Recommended testing
If pregnant or planning pregnancy, test your tap water for lead, PFAS, and nitrate at minimum. This is especially important in homes built before 1986 (lead solder risk) and in cities with documented PFAS contamination.
Affordable protection
An NSF 53 certified carbon block or RO filter at the kitchen tap ($100-300) removes lead, PFAS, and most contaminants of concern. This is the single most impactful step. Use filtered water for drinking, cooking, and preparing beverages.