March 24 2016, 20.30 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
Panchkula 22 March, 2016: Holi is that time of the year when we all like to shed our inhibitions and join the ranks of wild revelers. However, if you are expecting a baby this year, add a major dose of precautions to your Holi celebrations.
Often, women are unaware about the ill-effects of colors or excessive indulgence in Holi delicacies can have on their sensitive bodies during pregnancies. Moreover, during pregnancy women have lower immunity levels and are more vulnerable to infections and allergies, thus commanding the need for greater precaution and prevention.
“So, if you are carrying a baby, here are some special tips and advice to make sure you and your baby have a safe festival”, Said Dr Shilva, Consultant Gynecology, Paras Bliss hospital, Panchkula.
· Strictly avoid colors not made at home
The market is full of a wide variety of colors, many of which contain chemicals that are harmful to skin. Every year after Holi, a number of people report with skin rashes and irritation. However, if you are pregnant, these chemicals can be even more harmful. Apart from causing irritation to skin, the small particles of the colors often also get ingested into the body through the nose or mouth. This can be harmful to the health of the baby. Also, a lot of colors are marketed as ‘organic’ colors every year but not all of them are 100% organic. It is therefore advisable to avoid all colors sold in the market, and stick to colors that you can make at home, using flowers or fruit peels.
· Report immediately in case of any reaction or color ingestion
In case you experience any reaction, howsoever mild, or feel that you have inadvertently breathed in color particles, make sure you immediately report this to a doctor. The colors can contain dangerous chemicals such as lead or mercury or even glass particles which can cause harm to the fetus. Do not try any remedy at home, immediately rush to a hospital.
· Make sure everyone attending the celebration knows you are carrying
When the Holi celebration is on, often the entire colony and stream of relatives join in. But, if you are celebrating and playing Holi amidst a lot of people, make sure each of them knows your condition. Sometimes, people go overboard (especially when drunk) in the festivities and may inadvertently cause a push or a shove that may be injurious to you.
· Avoid celebrating with unruly revelers
While some people celebrate Holi in a mild and congenial way, there are some who turn completely rowdy, especially as drinks and bhang flow easily. If your Holi party has been broken in by unruly revelers, make sure you make your way inside. Also, take care to cover yourself up by wearing full sleeves and full length trousers to minimize any exposure to harmful colors. Beware of prank players and balloon throwers lest you hurt yourself. Apply a layer of oil or petroleum jelly on your skin as a barrier to colors and dust.
· Strict no to drinks
Most women are aware that alcoholic drinks are strictly unadvisable during pregnancy. However, we also advice women to stay away from the desi ‘bhaang’ that is very popular during Holi. These drinks are a strict no, no matter even when offered in very small quantities.
· Check what you eat
We all tend to get overboard with consuming delicacies during festivities but if you are pregnant, you should be careful to avoid excessive indulgence, especially in sweets and deep fried food. This can lead to heartburn and acid reflux and can be troubling. Keep drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated and keep your meals small.
