Lead-Safe Wisconsin: Stay Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Lead is a toxic metal that can harm anyone. It's especially dangerous to pregnant people during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Even low levels of lead can affect both the pregnant person and the developing baby.
To learn more about the impacts of lead exposure, visit: What is Lead Poisoning?
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Why is lead dangerous during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body naturally absorbs more calcium. This is to support your baby's growing bones. If you were exposed to lead in the past, however, your body may also release lead stored in your bones. This can enter your bloodstream and pass on to your baby.
Lead exposure during pregnancy has been linked to:
- Miscarriage.
- Premature birth.
- Low birth weight.
- Developmental delays and learning problems.
- High blood pressure during pregnancy.
To read more about the research on fetal lead exposure, visit: What is Lead Poisoning?
Breastfeeding and lead
Breast milk can carry small amounts of lead. If a parent has high levels of lead in their blood, it may be unsafe to breastfeed. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends blood lead testing if you have any concerns. Talk to your health care provider to make an informed decision about breastfeeding.
How you might be exposed to lead
It isn't easy to see the lead around you. Lead can come from:
- Old lead paint and dust in homes and buildings built before 1978.
- Drinking water from lead pipes, fittings, or water fixtures.
- Imported goods, including spices, herbal remedies, cosmetics, and pottery.
- Work or hobbies that involve lead, including construction, painting, auto repair, fishing, hunting, and stained glass.
- Living with someone who works with lead and may bring dust home on their clothes or shoes.
Even if you don't work with lead directly or live in an you can still be exposed through take-home dust or contaminated products.
To learn more, visit: Sources of Lead.
What you can do
Talk to your doctor or midwife
Ask about the risks of lead exposure, especially if:
- You live in (or regularly visit) a home or building built before 1978.
- You work with materials that may contain lead.
Get a blood lead test
This is the only way to know for sure if you've been exposed to lead. It's especially important to get tested if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are at a higher risk for lead exposure.
Don't forget! Children need blood lead tests, too. Wisconsin recommends testing all children at 12 and 24 months, or any time there's a concern about lead exposure. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.
Follow best practices to avoid exposure to lead
- Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking and baby formula. You can heat up the water on the stove or microwave afterwards.
Regularly wipe down high-dust areas with wet towels or cloths. Mop, don't sweep, in areas that could contain lead dust.
- Wash your hands often to reduce exposure to household dust.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, which can help reduce lead absorption.
For more resources, contact your local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office. WIC can provide eligible pregnant people and new mothers with nutrition and breastfeeding support.
Keep your home lead-safe
If you live in an older home, look into professional lead-safe renovations or inspections. Never attempt to remove old paint yourself, especially while pregnant.
For more information about lead safety, visit Make Your Home Lead-Safe.
Need help or have questions?
- Talk to your health provider.
- Contact your local health department for local resources.
- Contact your local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office.
- Reach out to the Adult Lead Program.