CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Is BPA Safe During Pregnancy?

Should I be concerned about drinking from plastic bottles with BPA while pregnant?
save article
profile picture of Ashley S. Roman, MD
Updated November 6, 2018
pregnant woman doing fitness and drinking water

Yes, although more research still needs to be done. Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a compound found in many plastic food containers, such as water bottles and cans that hold food. There has been some concern that exposure to BPA in extremely high doses may cause birth defects and miscarriage. Other studies have related BPA exposure in utero with low birth weight and childhood asthma, but more research is needed to confirm this link. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to limit exposure to BPA during pregnancy.

Not sure if your water bottle’s safe? One way to identify plastics that may contain BPA is to look at the recycle code. Containers marked with a 3 or 7 may contain BPA, while containers marked with a 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 are more likely to be BPA-free. Check the US Health and Human Services website ( hhs.gov/safety/bpa) for more advice. [Updated 07-07-2011]

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman getting a prenatal massage
How to Safely Enjoy a Prenatal Massage
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman pouring honey onto spoon
Can You Have Honey While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman wearing a sweater and holding a cup of tea
5 Ways to Survive a Winter Pregnancy
By Elena Donovan Mauer
ADVERTISEMENT
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pink benadryl antihistamine pills in plastic packaging
Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
large concert crowd in arena
Is Loud Noise During Pregnancy Safe for Baby’s Hearing?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman using a heating pad on her stomach while laying in bed
Is It Safe to Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with tattoos on arm
The Lowdown on Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman putting out a cigarette in ashtray
The Dangers of Smoking and Vaping While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman relaxing in the bath
Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
glasses of rose wine outside on table
The Real Deal With Drinking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant holding a glass of water while looking at phone
Mom's Exposure to PFAS Linked to Obesity in Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
Is It True Pregnant Women Shouldn't Take Baths?
Is It True Pregnant Women Shouldn't Take Baths?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman applying sunscreen on the beach
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen for All Skin Types
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
spa treatment products, brushes, scrubs
Spa Treatments You Can (and Can’t) Enjoy While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
midwife applying essential oil onto pregnant woman's wrist
What You Need to Know About Essential Oils for Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
illustration of colorful paint sample booklet
Safety Scoop: Can You Paint the Nursery While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Monkeypox and smallpox vaccine is shown at Northstar Medical Center in Chicago on July 18, 2022
US Reports First Monkeypox Case in a Pregnant Woman
By Wyndi Kappes
Pro-choice activists protesting in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on May 03, 2022 in Washington, DC
How the Overturning of Roe V. Wade May Impact Maternal Health
By Ashlee Neuman
pregnant woman sitting on bed at home with beautiful sunlight coming through the windows
7 Ways to Detox Your Home and Routine for a Healthier Pregnancy
By Carson Meyer
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List