Holi Colours And Pregnancy: Expert Lists Risks, Precautions, And Safe Ways to Celebrate

Holi, the festival of colours, is a joyous occasion celebrated enthusiastically across India and other parts of the world. It’s all about laughter, joy, and colour-filled festivities! However, for pregnant women, this celebration comes with its challenges. Therefore, it becomes imperative to take proper precautions to minimise the health threats from synthetic colours and other environmental factors. Exposure to harmful chemicals in colours can impact the mother and the developing baby.

To understand the effects of Holi colours on pregnant women, we spoke to Dr Pratibha Singhal, Director - Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Noida, who listed the possible risks for the unborn child and essential safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Holi.

Composition of Holi Colours and Their Risks

Holi colours were traditionally made from flowers, herbs, and turmeric. Modern synthetic colours, however, can contain harmful chemicals, such as:

• Lead: It is found in bright colours like red and orange and its exposure can cause developmental disorders in unborn babies.
• Mercury Sulphide: It is mainly found in red colours and may lead to birth defects and neurodevelopmental issues.
• Copper Sulphate: Found in green colours, it can cause eye irritation, allergic reactions, and even nausea.
• Aluminum Bromide: Present in purple colours, it can affect kidney function and overall foetal development.
• Asbestos and Silica: It is used as base materials in some synthetic powders and can pose severe respiratory hazards.

Effects of Holi Colours on Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are more susceptible to external environmental influences due to hormonal changes and a weakened immune system. If inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, Holi colours can cause various complications:

• Skin Allergies and Rashes: Synthetic colours may trigger severe allergic reactions, itching, and dermatitis.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhaling fine colour particles can worsen conditions like asthma and sinusitis.
• Hormonal Disruptions: Certain chemicals in synthetic colours can interfere with hormonal balance, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes.
• Eye Irritations: Accidental contact with harmful colours can cause burning, redness, and discomfort.
• Risk of Infections: Sharing colours and exposure to public water sources can increase the risk of contracting bacterial and fungal infections.

Also Read: How to Remove Holi Colors Safely Without Harming Your Skin?

Effects on the Unborn Baby

Exposure to harmful Holi colours can result in consequences since the developing foetus is highly susceptible to environmental toxins. Here are some complications listed by Dr Singhal that a growing foetus may face:

• Developmental Delays: The presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury in Holi colours can impair cognitive function and hinder brain development.
• Birth Defects: Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals may cause congenital disabilities.
• Premature Birth or Miscarriage: High toxicity levels in the mother’s bloodstream may lead to pregnancy complications.
• Respiratory Disorders Post-Birth: Inhalation of toxic particles by the mother can indirectly affect the baby's lung health.  

Precautions for Pregnant Women During Holi

Here are some expert-recommended precautionary measures that pregnant women should follow:

• Use Natural or Organic Colours: Choose herbal, flower-based, or organic Holi colours free from chemicals.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear full-sleeved outfits to minimise direct skin contact with colours.
• Apply Oil or Moisturiser: Applying coconut or almond oil can act as a barrier against colour penetration.
• Avoid Crowded Places: Large gatherings may expose pregnant women to infections, unwanted pushing, and potential falls.
• Wear a Mask or Scarf: This prevents inhalation of harmful colour particles.
• Keep Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out toxins from the body.
• Wash Off Colours Immediately: Use mild soap and lukewarm water to remove any colour traces promptly.
• Avoid Bhang or Alcoholic Drinks: These can have severe effects on foetal health.

If you are uncertain about the safety of Holi colours, it's best to enjoy the festival indoors with the family. Don't forget to indulge in traditional Holi foods like gujiya, thandai (without bhang), and fruit juices. Get into the festive spirit by listening to festive songs and enjoying light, pregnancy-safe dance moves.

Also Read: Holi 2025: Best Natural Alternatives to Chemical Holi Colors for Hair Safety

Home Remedies to Remove Holi Colours Safely

Pregnant women should try the following remedies if exposed to colours:

• Make a milk and gram flour paste to remove colours gently without harsh scrubbing.
• You can even apply coconut oil before washing to loosen the colour pigment.
• If you face skin irritation, use a mixture of curd and honey to soothe your skin.
• Wash with rose water to clean and refresh the skin.
• In case of accidental colour entry, rinse your eyes with clean and cold water.

Bottomline

Dr Singhal concluded, "Holi is a festival of joy, but pregnant women need to take precautions to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. You may use natural colours and be aware of possible harm to enjoy the Holi celebration without any trouble. Pregnant women can make wise decisions to enjoy the festival while protecting themselves and their unborn child's well-being."

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]