Choosing Healthy Water for Pregnant Women

Choosing the right water during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Water is not just a way to stay hydrated—it plays a vital role in the body’s essential functions, especially during pregnancy. Here is a simplified guide to help expectant mothers choose the safest and most suitable drinking water. In this article, we’ll outline key criteria for selecting water during pregnancy. When choosing drinking water, it's important to focus on several factors to ensure safety and health benefits:

1. Low Sodium Content

One of the most common issues faced by pregnant women is fluid retention, which can lead to swelling in the limbs and face. To reduce these symptoms, it's recommended to choose water with low sodium levels (less than 20 mg/L). Avoid salty or high-sodium water, as it may raise blood pressure and worsen swelling.
During pregnancy, the body’s fluid balance naturally changes to support the baby and placenta, making it more prone to water retention.

Sodium is a mineral found in salt, and when its level increases in the body, it causes cells to retain excess water, leading to:

• Swelling in the hands, feet, and face

• A feeling of bloating or heaviness

• Sometimes, increased blood pressure

2. Balanced Mineral Content

During this delicate phase, the body needs moderate levels of essential minerals like:

• Calcium: Supports the formation of the baby’s bones and teeth

• Magnesium: Reduces muscle cramps and improves sleep quality

• Bicarbonates: Help neutralize stomach acidity

However, be cautious of high levels of fluoride or nitrates, which can negatively affect the baby, especially in the early months of pregnancy.

3. pH Level (Acidity)

It’s best to choose water with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH, between 7 and 8.5. This helps maintain the body’s acid-alkaline balance and can ease acid reflux, a common pregnancy symptom.

Preferably, the water should be:

• Neutral (pH = 7), or

• Slightly alkaline (pH 7.5 to 8.5)

Such water is:

• Gentler on the stomach: Helps relieve heartburn, especially in the second and third trimesters

• Supports body balance: Hormonal changes affect the acid-base balance, and alkaline water helps ease this pressure

• Kidney-friendly: Unlike highly acidic water or water with excessive minerals

4. Purity and Absence of Contaminants

During pregnancy, the immune system becomes more sensitive, and the fetus is still developing—making any contaminant, even in small amounts, a potential risk. So, the water must be completely pure and free from any chemical or biological contaminants.

What kinds of contaminants might be in water?

• Microbes and germs: Bacteria or parasites that can cause stomach problems or poisoning

• Heavy metals: Such as lead or mercury, which are extremely dangerous and may affect the baby’s neurological development

• High levels of nitrates and fluoride: Harmful when present in excess

• Excess chlorine: Commonly used to disinfect tap water in some countries, but may cause irritation or unpleasant taste and be harmful in high amounts

How to ensure water purity?

• Choose bottled water from trusted brands that undergo strict health testing

• Read the label carefully to ensure it’s free from contaminants and has health authority certification (like the SFDA)

• If using tap water, install a high-quality filter and regularly replace carbon and final-stage filters

• Never leave bottles exposed to sunlight or heat, as this may trigger a reaction between plastic and water

5. Safe and Healthy Packaging

Packaging may seem like a minor detail, but it plays a key role in water safety and quality—especially during pregnancy. Some plastic bottles are made of materials that can react with water when exposed to heat or improper storage, leading to the leaching of harmful chemicals into the water.

How to choose safe packaging?

• Look for bottles clearly labeled “BPA-Free”

• Make sure the bottle is intact—not swollen or deformed

• Do not reuse bottles refilled from unknown sources or manually sealed

• Avoid leaving bottles in cars or under the sun

6. Certified by Health Authorities

Check for quality seals or certifications from trusted health agencies such as:

• The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)

• The Egyptian Ministry of Health

• Any other official local or international health authority

7. Best Types of Water for Pregnant Women

Choosing the right type of water during pregnancy is as important as choosing nutritious food. Water supports fetal development and protects the mother's health. The best water types for pregnant women are bottled waters with low sodium content, which help reduce fluid retention and body swelling. Balanced mineral water, with moderate calcium and magnesium levels, is also a good option for supporting bone growth and easing muscle cramps. Water with a moderate or slightly alkaline pH is ideal for reducing heartburn.

Examples of suitable water brands:

• In Saudi Arabia: Nova, Safa, Berain

• In Egypt: Nestlé, Aquafina, Baraka

More important than the brand is the source, purity, and compliance with health standards, to ensure safe and beneficial hydration throughout pregnancy.

8. Tap Water or Bottled Water During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, water quality becomes more critical than ever. Even small amounts of contaminants can affect the mother or baby’s health. So the question arises: which is better—tap water or bottled water?

1. Tap Water
If regularly tested and properly filtered at home, it may be safe. However, in some areas, it may contain unwanted levels of chlorine or nitrates, or run through old pipes that may leach heavy metals.

2. Bottled Water
Usually the safest choice, especially if from a known and trusted source with a certification from food and drug authorities. Bottled water is often purified, sterilized, and labeled with clear nutritional information—making it easier to monitor sodium and mineral levels.

✅ Final Recommendation

If you're unsure about the quality of your home's tap water filtration, opt for bottled water during pregnancy—preferably low-sodium and BPA-free. Your safety and your baby’s health are worth the extra care.

Summary: Healthy Water Starts with a Smart Choice… Delivered Easily with Abar

In your pregnancy journey, there’s no room for compromise—even in the smallest details. Choosing the right water isn’t just about hydration—it’s a conscious choice that reflects your commitment to clean nutrition and safety. Low-sodium water, balanced in minerals, and free of contaminants isn’t a luxury—it’s a daily need for every mother-to-be.

And because searching for the best option can be tiring, the Abar app offers a simple, safe way to browse and order the top water brands in Saudi Arabia. Trusted, certified, and delivered fast and free to your doorstep.

With one click, you can compare the nutritional values of different types and pick the perfect water for your pregnancy—with zero stress.

Abar... caring for your health and supporting your smart choices—every step of motherhood.