Monday, 25 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
As people celebrate the festival of colours- Holi with enthusiasm today, doctors stress that people, especially pregnant women should exercise precautions to avoid health complications. Gynaecologist Dr Sujata Sanjay said that some colours despite being branded ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ can still be harmful as the powder base of such products may contain harmful chemicals like lead and mercury which can get absorbed in the body and cause pregnancy complications like premature birth or even a miscarriage. These colours can also adversely affect the nervous and reproductive systems of expecting women, she said.
“Parents of younger babies aged less than six months are strongly advised to keep them away from the colours. It’s best not to put any colours on babies younger than six months because of their delicate skin. A red sandalwood tikka would be enough to ritualise and symbolically celebrate the festival,” Dr Sujata said.
Regarding pregnant women, she said that if precautions are not taken, there may be problems like premature birth, loss of baby’s weight during birth and even miscarriage. She suggests that pregnant women should play Holi only with pure herbal colours which are made from fruits, vegetables and flowers. “If a pregnant woman is a little negligent while enjoying Holi, her skin will be damaged and her unborn child may also suffer. Along with colours, water is also used a lot in the festival of Holi, due to which there is a risk of one falling ill. One should not consume substances like alcohol. Although chemical-rich colours and adulterated sweets can be dangerous for anyone, pregnant women are advised to take special care as these things can prove to be harmful for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child. New mothers breast-feeding their baby should also stay away from harmful colours with chemicals during Holi. This is because if these colours reach the baby’s body through the mother’s milk which may have a serious effect on the newborn’s health,” she said.
