Maternal Water Intake Calculator (Pregnant / Breastfeeding)

If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, please use the Daily Water Intake Calculator.

Hydration Tips for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers: Drinks to Embrace and Avoid

Staying properly hydrated is crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Adequate fluid intake supports the health of both mother and baby, aids in the production of amniotic fluid and breast milk, and helps prevent common pregnancy discomforts.

Here's a comprehensive guide on what to drink and what to avoid:

Recommended Drinks

• Water: The gold standard for hydration.

• Milk: An excellent source of calcium and protein. Opt for low-fat or skimmed varieties

• Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Choose 100% fruit juices without added sugars. These provide essential vitamins and minerals

• Herbal Teas: Many caffeine-free herbal teas are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, consult your healthcare provider about specific herbs.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid

• Caffeinated Beverages:

  • Limit caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • This equates to about:

    • 2 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)

    • 1 mug of filter coffee (140mg)

    • 2 mugs of tea (75mg each)

    • 5 cans of cola (up to 40mg each)

• Alcohol:

  • It's safest to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy

  • While breastfeeding, limit alcohol to no more than 1-2 units, once or twice a week

    • One unit of alcohol is approximately:

      • a single (25ml) measure of spirits

      • half a pint of beer

      • 125ml (small) glass of wine

  • If you do drink, wait 2-3 hours before breastfeeding to allow the alcohol to leave your system

• Sugary Drinks:

  • Sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas can lead to excessive weight gain and increase the risk of gestational diabetes

  • These drinks can also make you feel thirstier and don't contribute to proper hydration.

• Unpasteurized Drinks:

  • Avoid raw or unpasteurized milk and juices due to the risk of bacterial contamination

• Kombucha:

  • This fermented tea may contain small amounts of alcohol and unpasteurized ingredients, making it best to avoid during pregnancy

Additional Tips

1. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.

2. Set reminders on your phone to drink water regularly.

3. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to supplement your fluid intake.

4. If you're experiencing morning sickness, try small sips of water or sucking on ice chips

5. Monitor your urine color; it should be pale yellow to clear if you're well-hydrated.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique.

Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific nutritional needs and any concerns you may have about your diet or fluid intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The Hidden Danger in Your Water: What Every Expecting & Nursing Mom Needs to Know

Recent research has uncovered a concerning issue that affects pregnant women and nursing mothers worldwide: the presence of toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS in drinking water.

The latest findings provide crucial information to help moms make informed choices about their water consumption.

Here's what you need to know:

• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products and have now made their way into our water supply.

• These chemicals don't break down easily in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."

• A recent study found PFAS in both tap and bottled water samples from various countries, including the UK and China.

• Alarmingly, two specific PFAS compounds (PFOA and PFOS) were detected in over 99% of bottled water samples tested from 15 countries.

• While most samples had PFAS levels below current health advisory limits, the long-term effects of exposure, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, are still not fully understood.

The good news is that there are ways to reduce your exposure:

• Simple water filtration methods, like using a jug filter or boiling water, can remove 50-90% of PFAS, depending on the specific compound.

• Choosing purified bottled water over natural mineral water may help, as the study found lower PFAS concentrations in purified water.

As mothers, we always want to do what's best for our babies.

While this information might seem overwhelming, being aware of potential risks empowers us to make better choices.

In the next sections, we'll explore how PFAS affects pregnancy and breastfeeding and more ways to ensure you're drinking the safest water possible.

Understanding PFAS Health Risks

Impact on Pregnancy

PFAS exposure during pregnancy is a growing concern among health professionals and expectant mothers.

Here's what you need to know:

• Placental barrier: PFAS can cross the placental barrier, meaning these chemicals can directly reach the developing fetus.

• Birth weight: Studies have linked PFAS exposure to decreased birth weight, which can lead to various health issues for newborns.

• Developmental issues: Exposure during pregnancy may affect fetal development, potentially leading to long-term health and developmental challenges.

• Miscarriage risk: Research suggests that higher PFAS levels in pregnant women may increase the risk of miscarriage.

• Ongoing research: Scientists are still uncovering the full extent of PFAS impacts on pregnancy, but current findings are concerning enough to warrant caution.

It's important to note that while these risks exist, many pregnancies exposed to PFAS still result in healthy babies.

However, minimizing exposure where possible is a smart precaution.

Effects on Breastfeeding

As a mom, you want to give your baby the best start in life.

But recent studies on PFAS chemicals have raised some concerns about breastfeeding.

Here's what you need to know:

• PFAS can pass through breast milk: These chemicals can transfer from mother to infant during breastfeeding.

• Potential impacts on babies:

  • Immune system development may be affected

  • Early growth patterns could be altered

  • Long-term health effects are still being studied

• Breastfeeding duration: Some research suggests PFAS exposure might shorten the length of time moms breastfeed.

It's not all bad news.

Despite these concerns, breastfeeding still offers many benefits for both mom and baby. 

• What you can do:

  • Talk to your doctor about any concerns

  • Consider ways to reduce your PFAS exposure

  • Remember, breast milk is still recommended as the best food for most babies

While this information might seem worrying, it's important to keep perspective.

Breastfeeding remains highly recommended by health experts.

The key is to stay informed and make the best choices for you and your baby.

Long-term Health Concerns

As a parent, it's natural to worry about your child's future health.

Recent studies on PFAS exposure have highlighted some concerning long-term effects that we should be aware of:

• Reduced vaccine response: Research suggests that infants exposed to PFAS may have a weaker immune response to certain vaccines, potentially making them less effective.

• Childhood obesity risk: There's evidence linking early PFAS exposure to an increased likelihood of obesity in children as they grow.

• Developmental concerns: Some studies indicate that PFAS exposure might contribute to developmental delays in areas like motor skills or language acquisition.

• Liver health: PFAS has been associated with changes in liver function, which could have long-lasting impacts on overall health.

It's important to note that while these findings are concerning, they don't mean your child will experience these issues.

Many factors contribute to a child's health and development.

The best approach is to stay informed, take reasonable precautions to reduce exposure, and work closely with your pediatrician to monitor your child's health and development.

Safe Water Solutions for Moms

Tap Water Concerns

Many of us assume tap water is safe to drink, but recent research has uncovered some worrying facts:

• Municipal water systems are only required to test for 91 contaminants out of thousands known to be harmful.

• Water quality regulations haven't been updated in over 40 years, despite new contaminants emerging.

• Even water that meets current standards may contain concerning levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

Here's what you need to know:

• PFAS are "forever chemicals" that don't break down in the environment or our bodies.

• They've been linked to various health issues, including cancer and developmental problems.

• Traditional water treatment methods don't effectively remove PFAS.

• A recent study found PFAS in tap water samples from major cities in the UK and China.

While this information might seem alarming, there are steps you can take:

• Consider using a water filter certified to remove PFAS.

• Stay informed about your local water quality by reading annual reports from your water provider.

• Support initiatives to update water quality regulations and improve testing standards.

Remember, being aware is the first step to making informed choices about your drinking water.

It's okay to ask questions and seek more information from your local water authority.

Bottled Water Reality Check

Many of us turn to bottled water thinking it's a safer option, but recent research has uncovered some surprising facts:

• A new study found PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in bottled water worldwide.

• Over 99% of bottled water samples tested from 15 countries contained two specific PFAS compounds (PFOA and PFOS).

• Natural mineral water tended to have higher PFAS concentrations compared to purified water.

• The good news is that most bottled water samples had PFAS levels below current health advisory limits.

• Interestingly, there was no significant difference in PFAS levels between water in glass vs. plastic bottles, or still vs. sparkling water.

What does this mean for you?

• While bottled water isn't necessarily unsafe, it's not guaranteed to be PFAS-free.

• If you're concerned, consider choosing purified bottled water over natural mineral water.

• Remember, simple home filtration methods can reduce PFAS levels in both tap and bottled water.

Practical Solutions

For expecting and nursing moms concerned about PFAS in their drinking water, the Puritii Water Filter System offers a reliable solution:

• Removes up to 99.99% of contaminants, including PFAS

• Portable design for clean water on-the-go

• Specifically reduces PFOA by 94.4% and PFOS by 94.1%

This system is a game-changer for those looking to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Here's why it stands out:

• Easy to use: Simply fill and filter for cleaner water

• Versatile: Works with tap water from various sources

• Peace of mind: Tested and proven effective against PFAS

Remember, while no filtration system is perfect, the Puritii Water Filter significantly reduces PFAS levels, helping you make healthier choices for you and your baby.

It's a practical step towards reducing your exposure to these concerning chemicals, whether you're at home or out and about.

Creating a Safe Environment

Beyond Drinking Water

While we often focus on water when discussing PFAS exposure, it's important to remember that these chemicals can also be present in the air we breathe.

Here are some key points to consider:

• PFAS can become airborne: These chemicals can be released into the air from various sources, including industrial processes and consumer products.

• Inhalation is a concern: Breathing in PFAS-contaminated air is another route of exposure, especially for pregnant women and young children.

• Indoor air quality matters: PFAS levels can be higher indoors due to the presence of treated furniture, carpets, and other household items.

• HEPA filtration can help: Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, like the Puritii Multi-Effect Air Purifier (if available in your country), can significantly reduce airborne PFAS particles.

• Benefits for mothers and children:

  • Pregnant women can reduce potential exposure to their developing babies

  • Infants and young children, whose respiratory systems are still developing, may particularly benefit from cleaner air

• Beyond PFAS: A good air purifier will also remove other pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander, contributing to overall better indoor air quality.

Remember, while no single solution can eliminate all PFAS exposure, using an air purifier alongside other precautions can be an important step in creating a healthier home environment for you and your family.

Daily Water Safety Tips

As someone who has taken the time to research this important issue, I’d like to share some practical tips to help you reduce PFAS exposure in your daily water consumption.

• Invest in a quality water filter: Look for systems specifically designed to remove PFAS. The Puritii Water Filter System, for example, has been shown to reduce PFOA and PFOS by over 94%.

• Ditch the plastic bottles: When possible, avoid drinking water from plastic bottles. Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also reduce your exposure to PFAS that may leach from the plastic.

• Know your water source: Take time to review your local water quality reports. This information is usually available online or by contacting your water provider directly.

• Boil your water: A simple yet effective method. Boiling water for about 15 minutes can reduce PFAS levels by 50-90%, depending on the specific compounds present.

• Use glass or stainless steel containers: When storing water, opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.

Important Disclaimer:

As mothers who have experienced pregnancy and breastfeeding, we understand how crucial hydration is.

But it's not just about drinking more water - it's about drinking the right water.

Here are some key points for us to keep in mind:

• Every pregnancy is unique: Your fluid needs may differ from other moms-to-be.

• Listen to your body: Thirst is a good indicator of when you need to drink more.

• Consult your healthcare provider: They can give personalized advice based on your specific situation.

• PFAS exposure matters: Choosing the right water source can help reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.

• It's a journey: Making informed choices about your water is part of creating a healthy environment for you and your baby.

Remember, staying hydrated is important, but so is the quality of the water you're drinking.

By being mindful of PFAS and other contaminants, you're taking an important step in protecting both your health and your baby's.

Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from your healthcare team - they're there to support you through this exciting time!

The calculator above offers a general guideline, but individual hydration needs can vary.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.