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Celebrating Holi During Pregnancy: 4 Safety Rules To Keep In Mind

Celebrating Holi During Pregnancy: 4 Safety Rules To Keep In Mind

6 Mar 2023 | 6 min Read

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 465 Articles

The festival of colours is upon us. While most people cannot wait to soak in Holi colours and make fun memories with friends and family, you may wonder whether it’s safe to celebrate Holi during pregnancy. We understand your concern, but don’t worry, as you can safely enjoy this colourful celebration by following certain precautionary measures and taking extra care of yourself.

In this post, we have discussed some frequently asked questions about celebrating Holi during pregnancy, and what you can do to have a safe and enjoyable celebration. In addition to following these safety tips, make sure to have a word with your doctor before making any Holi plans, as they can suggest additional prevention methods if you are carrying multiples (twins, triplets) or have certain pregnancy complications.

4 Things To Know Before Celebrating Holi During Pregnancy

Is It Safe to Play with Colours During Pregnancy?

Yes, but as long as they are organic. Certain Holi colours are filled with chemical ingredients that can affect both your and your baby’s health during pregnancy. Hence, make sure to opt for natural and organic Holi colours, or consider making plant-based Holi colours at home.

Moreover, chemical colours are composed of industrial and synthetic dyes and may contain oxidised metals, such as copper sulphate and lead oxide. These ingredients can affect the respiratory and nervous systems of your baby, and in severe cases of exposure lead to low birth weight or preterm birth.

Hence, it’s better to use natural and homemade colours made with herbal and vegetable dyes that are easy on your skin and also pregnancy complications.

What to Do If You Accidentally Ingest Holi Colour During Pregnancy?

If you accidentally ingest or inhale Holi colour, don’t panic, instead try the following methods.

Immediately wash your mouth or the affected area with clean water
Avoid drinking salt or vinegar water to induce vomiting
Avoid eating anything weird with the hope to flush out the Holi colours from your body
Keep an eye out for dryness, irritation, or rashes in the affected area

Additionally, if you notice the following symptoms after accidentally ingesting Holi colours, then call your healthcare provider immediately.

If the affected area has erupted in a rash or you are experiencing a burning sensation in your skin
If you have shortness of breath or are experiencing difficulty in breathing
If you are experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness
If you have sudden stomach cramps or are vomiting

Precautions to Take With Food and Drinks

Holi is incomplete without a splendid feast, including traditional sweets and beverages, ghee-laden laddoos, paans, gujiyas, and much more. A little bit of planning and a bit of compromise will help you enjoy the treats without experiencing uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms afterward.

Here are some safety tips on foods and beverages that you should follow.

Instead of a big meal, have smaller yet frequent meals. This will help prevent indigestion or heartburn.
Make sure to avoid fatty, sweet, and fried foods if you have gestational diabetes.
Stay away from alcoholic drinks like bhaang. They are not considered safe for pregnant women. You can opt for fresh fruit juices or coconut water to keep yourself hydrated and energised.
Watch your caffeine intake. Remember, many soft drinks contain some amount of caffeine and it is important for you to stay within the daily limit of caffeine recommended by your doctor.
Keep taking sips of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Lack of water in your body can cause Braxton Hicks contractions, hence ensure to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day.

Skin Care While Playing Holi During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your skin is super-sensitive due to all the hormonal fluctuations going on inside your body. Scrubbing your skin hard to wash off the Holi colours can cause irritation and extreme dryness in your skin. In severe cases, you may also experience rashes due to excessive scrubbing.

Hence, ensure to apply a thick layer of coconut oil or a moisturiser to prevent skin conditions and irritation. This will also help the colour to wash off quickly and keep your sensitive skin soft and nourished.

Other Things to Keep In Mind While Celebrating Holi During Pregnancy

While stepping outdoors, carry an umbrella to protect yourself from the scorching rays of the sun.
Wear appropriate clothing, such as full-length pants, kurtas, and churidars to avoid direct exposure to Holi colours.
Do not let the colour stay on your skin for too long, and wash it before it dries to prevent skin irritations.
Change your wet clothes immediately to avoid catching a cold as its symptoms can adversely affect your baby’s health.
If the roads and floors are slippery due to water, be extra careful walking. Seek assistance if needed, and make sure to wear non-slippery shoes.
Try to avoid large gatherings where there is a lot of pushing and pulling going on. Instead, opt for at-home parties or small group events to celebrate Holi this year.
Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief to prevent Holi colours from entering your mouth to the respiratory tract.

Conclusion

You can celebrate Holi during pregnancy, but with a little bit of extra precaution. Make sure to use safe and organic Holi colours to avoid skin irritation and other pregnancy complications, and stay away from too many fried foods to prevent indigestion or stomach discomfort.

Additionally, discuss with your doctor whether you need to follow any other precautionary measures, and consult them immediately if you notice any uncomfortable symptoms.