Being pregnant comes with a whole new set of responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your social life on hold! If you’re not quite ready to tell the world about your pregnancy, Holi might be the perfect time to make the announcement.
It is common knowledge that once a woman enters the later stages of her pregnancy, people will go easy on her without her having to say anything. However, even though people may be more lenient, it’s important for the mother-to-be to take precautions when it comes to exerting herself physically.
Before making any plans to celebrate Holi, be sure to speak with your doctor first. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, she may have some suggestions or precautions for you to take in order to avoid any risks.
Can holi color affect me or my growing baby?
Yes, some colors may be harmful to you and now that you are pregnant, it’s become even more important to choose the right colors to play with during Holi.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing safe holi colors for you and your family. Firstly, colors made from fruits or flowers are generally safe to use. Secondly, natural colors made from vegetables or herbal dyes are also usually safe. However, it is always best to exercise caution and do your research before using any new products, especially when it comes to items that will come into contact with your skin. Currently, there is no centralized body which regulates the production of holi colors, so it is important to be aware of this when making your choices. Natural henna is safe to use, while black henna contains paraphenylendiamine (PPD), which can cause allergic reactions. Colors that contain either of these forms of henna will be labelled as “natural”. Also, a color made with natural dyes can be labelled as ‘natural’, but the powder base of the color may still be harmful.
You also need to be aware that the chemicals used to create certain colors, as well as oxidized metals, can be dangerous for both you and your unborn child.
What to do in case of reaction from colors?
Colors can enter your body through three ways: ingestion, inhalation, and absorption.
Pregnancy causes your immunity levels to drop, which unfortunately makes you more susceptible to colds, flu and other infections. In addition, your skin becomes much more sensitive during pregnancy, so you might have reactions to certain chemicals and dyes – like those used in Holi colors.
If you have injected liquid or powder colors or if someone has thrown colors of unknown origin on you, here are some possible remedies:
Rinse your mouth or the affected area with water.
Do not eat anything in trying to flush out the colors.
Check for any redness, irritation, dryness etc.
It’s also advisable to consult the doctor in the following cases:
The colors used in cosmetics can often contain lead or mercury, which can be harmful for you and your growing baby. If you use cosmetics that contain these harmful chemicals, you may start to experience blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, vomiting, or diarrhea. To avoid these health risks, it’s important to only use cosmetics that are free of lead and mercury.
Tips on how to enjoy the holi feast:
It’s important to eat smaller meals throughout the day to avoid indigestion, heartburn, and acidity. If you have gestational diabetes, avoid fatty and sweet foods. Stay away from alcoholic drinks and limit your intake of caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, cold drinks, and tea. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Other things to keep in mind on holi:
Although most people celebrate the festival of Holi in the right spirit, some use the festival as an opportunity for rowdy and rash behavior. It’s important to stay alert and keep yourself away from gatherings you’re not comfortable with.
During Holika Dahan, keep yourself at a safe distance – if it gets too smoky, move to a ventilated place. Apply a thin layer of oil or moisturizer on your face and exposed parts of your body to protect your skin. Wear full-sleeve clothes to reduce the exposure of your body to harmful colors. And finally, don’t let the colors stay too long on your body – wash them before they dry!
This may be the best Holi yet – but only if you keep things in balance!
