Health Risks of Pregnancy and Water Pollutants
In many parts of the world, water is not always safe to drink.
Polluted water can contain harmful contaminants and have serious consequences.
Contaminated water can cause a variety of infections and illnesses that can lead to serious health problems for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
Here's some of the most common conditions of pregnancy and water pollutants:
Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting.
It can cause several infections and illnesses that can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and her unborn child, including dehydration.
If left untreated, cholera can be deadly because dehydration can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Some of the main complications include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Constipation
- Premature birth
- Dangerously underweight birth
- Maternal death
All pregnant women should make sure to drink plenty of clean, filtered water to avoid any potential health complications.
Typhoid fever is another bacterial infection that can be found in contaminated water.
The infections and illnesses caused by typhoid fever can include fever, headache, weakness, severe diarrhea and vomiting, and in severe cases, death.
Fever is bad for pregnant women because it can also lead to dehydration, making you feel weak and tired.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be found in contaminated water.
It causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to several serious health problems, including liver failure.
Hepatitis A is a serious threat to both mother and child and can be harmful if left untreated.
It can cause the mother to become jaundiced, which is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow.
Jaundice is dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to dehydration.
In severe cases, jaundice can also lead to premature labor and delivery.
Other symptoms of hepatitis A can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
- Severe diarrhea
- Vomiting
- In severe cases, death
4. Gastrointestinal Infections
They can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Gastrointestinal infections can lead to some serious health problems, including dehydration and malnutrition.
If left untreated, they can be fatal, too.
Malnutrition can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Stunted growth
- Low birth weight
- Poor development
- Increased risk of death for both the mother and baby
- Increased risk of developing chronic diseases later in life
Dysentery is a bacterial infection that can be found in polluted water.
It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition.
If a pregnant mother has dysentery, she should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and see a doctor immediately.
Dysentery can be dangerous if left untreated, so pregnant mothers need to get medical help right away if they are experiencing any symptoms.
Harmful Chemicals in Contaminated Water
In addition to causing illnesses, contaminated water can also expose the mother and her baby to harmful chemicals.
Industrial pollutants, such as nitrate, arsenic, lead, and mercury, can enter the water supply and put the mother and child at risk for developmental problems and other health issues.
All pregnant women should avoid contact with any water that may be contaminated with these harmful chemicals:
One of the most common contaminants found in water is nitrate.
Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound that is found in soil and groundwater.
It can also be found in fertilizers, sewage and industrial waste.
When water contains high levels of nitrate, it can be harmful to both the mother and her unborn child.
Nitrate can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and serious health problems.
Pregnant women who drink water contaminated with high levels of nitrate are at risk for miscarriages, stillbirths, and birth defects.
Babies who are exposed to nitrate in the womb can develop a condition called the blue baby syndrome.
This condition can cause respiratory problems, seizures, and even death.
Arsenic is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer.
It is also toxic to the heart and can damage the nervous system.
Pregnant women who drink water contaminated with arsenic are at risk for miscarriages, stillbirths and birth defects.
Babies who are exposed to arsenic in the womb can develop some health problems, including cancer, heart disease and neurological problems.
Lead is a metal that can be found in the environment.
It can enter the water supply through lead pipes or lead-based paint.
Pregnant women who drink water contaminated with lead are also at risk for miscarriages, stillbirths and birth defects.
Babies who are exposed to lead in the womb can develop learning disabilities, behavioral problems and several other health issues.
Mercury is a metal that can be found in the environment, too.
It can enter the water supply through mercury-containing products, such as thermometers and light bulbs.
It can also enter the water through industrial pollution.
Pregnant women who drink water contaminated with mercury are also at risk for miscarriages, stillbirths and birth defects.
How to Know If Your Water Is Not Safe to Drink
The best way to know if water is contaminated is to have it tested by a certified laboratory.
Pregnant women should avoid drinking any water that has not been tested and approved by a certified lab.
Some ways to tell if water may be contaminated include:
- Bad smells or weird taste: contaminants can change the smell and taste of water
- Dirty or murky looking water: contaminants can make the appearance of water different
- Private wells: private wells are not regulated by the government
If you think your water might be contaminated, the best thing to do is have it professionally tested for a full range of pollutants.
Here's What You Need to Do if Your Water Is Not Safe to Drink
There are several things that pregnant women can do if they think their water may be contaminated:
- Stop drinking regular tap water and switch to bottled water or water that has been filtered
- Do not use unfiltered tap water to cook or clean with
- Talk to a doctor about whether or not it is safe to take a bath in the water
- Call the local health department to have the water tested
- Install a water filtration system in your home
Pregnant women should always play it safe and avoid drinking any water that they suspect may be unsafe.
If you are pregnant and concerned about the safety of your water, please don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or local health department for more information.
To protect yourself and your child from the dangers of contaminated water, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid exposure.
If you are pregnant, make sure to only drink safe, clean water.
Have your water tested regularly and use a home water filtration system to remove any contaminants that may be present.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your child!
Why An In-home Water Filter Is the Best Option
A water filter is the best option for removing contaminants from your water.
Water filters can remove a wide range of bacteria and contaminants, including nitrate, arsenic, lead, and mercury.
There are many different types of water filters available on the market.
Some work by physically filtering out contaminants, while others use chemical reactions to remove contaminants from the water.
This process forces water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving clean and safe water behind.
Cloud Water reverse osmosis filters remove up to 99.9% of harmful toxins, including lead, nitrate, arsenic, mercury and bacteria.
They even use built-in software to monitor your water quality 24/7.
