Is Spring Water Good for You While Pregnant? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women should aim for 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water daily to support increased blood volume and amniotic fluid. The question, is spring water good for you while pregnant? depends heavily on whether it comes from a trusted bottled source or is collected untreated.

Quick Summary

For pregnant women, bottled spring water from a reputable source is generally safe and beneficial for hydration, though untreated natural spring water poses significant contamination risks. Factors like mineral content and bottling material should be considered.

Key Points

Not all spring water is safe: Untreated, wild spring water should be avoided entirely by pregnant women due to the risk of dangerous bacterial contamination.
Choose reputable bottled brands: Commercially bottled spring water is typically filtered and treated to meet safety standards, making it a safer option than untreated sources.
Mind the mineral content: Opt for low-to-medium mineralized spring water to avoid placing unnecessary strain on your kidneys during pregnancy.
Filter tap water as a safe alternative: Filtering your tap water is a cost-effective way to remove contaminants while ensuring a continuous supply of safe drinking water.
Test private well water annually: If your water comes from a private well, regular testing for contaminants like E. coli, nitrates, and heavy metals is crucial for maternal and fetal safety.
Stay hydrated to prevent complications: Adequate fluid intake is essential during pregnancy to support amniotic fluid, circulation, and digestion, and to prevent complications like UTIs.

The Importance of Hydration During Pregnancy

Staying adequately hydrated is fundamental for everyone, but it becomes especially critical during pregnancy. A pregnant woman's body requires more water to support the development of her baby and handle the physiological changes that occur. ACOG recommends a daily intake of 8 to 12 cups of water to facilitate various vital functions. This fluid is crucial for creating and maintaining amniotic fluid, which acts as a protective cushion for the fetus. It also aids in the increased blood circulation needed to transport nutrients and oxygen to the baby and helps flush waste products from both the mother and developing fetus. Proper hydration also helps mitigate common pregnancy-related issues such as constipation, headaches, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Untreated vs. Bottled Spring Water

The most important distinction to understand when considering spring water during pregnancy is the difference between water bottled by a reputable brand and water collected directly from a natural, untreated spring. The term 'spring water' is sometimes used loosely, but for safety during pregnancy, the source and treatment process are paramount.

Untreated natural spring water carries a high risk of contamination from harmful microorganisms, such as E. coli or Giardia, which can enter the source through animal waste or other environmental factors. Pregnant women have a slightly suppressed immune system, making them more vulnerable to severe illnesses from these pathogens, which can endanger both the mother and the baby. For this reason, consuming water directly from an untested, natural spring is strongly discouraged for pregnant individuals.

Reputable bottled spring water, however, is sourced from a natural spring but is subject to strict filtration, treatment, and quality control processes to meet regulatory standards set by organizations like the FDA. The label should confirm it is from a protected, verified source and has been treated to remove contaminants.

Mineral Content and Considerations

Spring water often contains varying levels of dissolved minerals, which can be either a benefit or a concern during pregnancy, depending on the concentration. While some minerals like calcium and magnesium are beneficial, excessively high levels of certain minerals or sodium can be problematic. Experts generally advise pregnant women to opt for bottled spring or mineral waters with low to medium mineralization (below 1500 mg/L) and low sodium content. High mineralization can strain the kidneys, which are already working harder to filter the increased blood volume during pregnancy. Check the label for the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and sodium levels to make an informed choice.

Concerns have also been raised about the plastic bottles themselves. Some studies have detected microplastics in bottled water, and there is also the issue of Bisphenol A (BPA) from older or non-BPA-free plastic containers. Using bottled water marked 'BPA-free' or opting for water in glass containers can mitigate this concern. Alternatively, using a reliable home filtration system for tap water, which can also provide essential minerals like fluoride, is another safe option.

Comparison of Water Sources for Pregnant Women


Water Source	Safety during Pregnancy	Mineral Content	Processing/Treatment	Potential Concerns
Untreated Spring Water	NOT SAFE. Extremely high risk of microbial and chemical contamination.	Highly variable, depends on source. Not tested.	None. Unsafe for consumption.	Pathogens, chemical pollutants, heavy metals.
Reputable Bottled Spring Water	Generally Safe. Processed to remove contaminants. Check certifications.	Variable; check label for mineralization levels. Low-to-medium is best.	Filtration, purification, quality control testing.	High mineral or sodium levels, microplastics, BPA (in some bottles).
Bottled Purified Water	Safe. Processed to remove minerals and contaminants.	Minimal to none; minerals are often stripped and sometimes re-added.	Reverse osmosis, distillation, deionization.	Lacks natural minerals, potential for microplastics/BPA.
Filtered Tap Water	Generally Safe. Excellent and cost-effective option, removes contaminants.	Varies by municipality and filter type. Often contains fluoride.	Municipal treatment plus home filtration (pitcher, faucet mount, etc.).	Effectiveness depends on filter quality and municipal water quality.

Choosing the Safest Water for Pregnancy

To ensure you and your baby are drinking the safest water, consider these steps:

Verify the Source: If opting for bottled spring water, choose a brand you trust with clear labeling and relevant certifications. Look for NSF-certified products, which indicate compliance with rigorous standards.
Consider Mineralization: For bottled spring or mineral water, check the label for the total dissolved solids (TDS) and sodium content. Choose options with low to medium mineralization to avoid over-burdening your kidneys.
Filter Your Tap Water: For many, a reliable home water filter offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. Filters can effectively remove common contaminants like lead and pesticides. Always change your filter as recommended for optimal performance.
Test Private Well Water: If your water comes from a private well, have it tested regularly for bacteria and contaminants like nitrates, pesticides, and heavy metals. The EPA provides resources for well water testing and safety. Visit the EPA's website for more information on safe drinking water practices: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water.
Avoid Untreated Sources: Absolutely avoid collecting and drinking water from natural, untreated roadside springs, as these are unregulated and pose a significant health risk.

Conclusion

When considering spring water during pregnancy, the critical takeaway is to avoid any source that is untreated and unregulated. Reputable, bottled spring water is generally safe and can be a good option, provided you check the label for appropriate mineralization levels. However, for a consistent and often more sustainable source of safe hydration, a good quality home water filter used on municipally-treated water is an excellent choice. By being mindful of your water's origin and potential contaminants, you can ensure one of the most vital components of your pregnancy diet is as safe and beneficial as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe to drink water directly from an untreated spring while pregnant. These sources are unregulated and can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and other pathogens that pose a serious risk to both you and your baby.

Spring water is sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface, while mineral water is defined by having a minimum amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and the minerals are not added. For pregnant women, it is best to choose either with low-to-medium mineralization.

To ensure your bottled spring water is safe, choose reputable brands with clear labeling. Look for certifications from organizations like NSF on the label, which indicate the water has been tested for quality and compliance with safety standards.

Yes, some mineral waters contain high levels of dissolved minerals that can be too concentrated for daily consumption during pregnancy. It is best to choose low- or medium-mineralized water to avoid overtaxing your kidneys.

Yes, filtered tap water is an excellent and safe alternative. A good home filter can effectively remove contaminants, and municipal water often contains beneficial fluoride. Regular filter changes are important for continued effectiveness.

Drinking contaminated water can expose you and your baby to risks from lead, nitrates, pesticides, and bacteria like E. coli. This can potentially lead to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and other complications.

Yes, some mineral waters can be high in sodium, and excessive sodium intake during pregnancy could potentially contribute to issues like swelling and hypertension. Opt for low-sodium water whenever possible.