Early stages of pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy, exposure to loud sounds, such as those produced by firecrackers, can potentially lead to stress and anxiety for the expecting mother. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels may even affect the developing fetus, as it is more susceptible to external stimuli. Loud noises can cause elevated levels of stress hormones in the mother’s body, which may indirectly affect the growing fetus.
Inhaling the smoke produced by firecrackers can also be harmful, as it may contain various toxic chemicals and particulate matter. These pollutants can potentially enter the bloodstream and have adverse effects on both the mother and the developing baby, impacting respiratory health and overall well-being.
Advanced stages of pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, the fetus becomes more insulated from external noise, but it can still hear and react to sounds, including firecrackers. Sudden loud noises can startle the baby, causing increased heart rate or fetal movements. While this is generally not harmful, it can be uncomfortable for the mother.
In the advanced stages of pregnancy, the physiological changes that have occurred may make the mother more sensitive to air pollution. Exposure to smoke from firecrackers may exacerbate respiratory issues or discomfort. Inhaling pollutants can also impact the oxygen supply to the fetus, potentially affecting its development.
In conclusion, both the sound and smoke from firecrackers can pose potential risks to pregnant women and their unborn babies. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid areas with excessive noise and smoke pollution, especially during celebrations involving fireworks. If exposure is unavoidable, taking necessary precautions such as using ear protection and wearing a mask to reduce smoke inhalation can help mitigate these risks and ensure a healthier pregnancy. Consulting with a healthcare provider for guidance is also essential to address any specific concerns or risks associated with the individual’s pregnancy.
Dr Sunipa Chatterjee, Consultant Obstetrician And Gynaecologist Techno India Dama Hospital
Keep your eyes safe
Diwali is celebrated on the night of Amavasya in the month of Kartik when India dresses in its festive best and as darkness falls, cities and villages light up resplendently with lamps while firecrackers streak across the sky.
However, amidst all the fervour and excitement, this is also the time when you need to be extra careful about keeping the most delicate yet important part of the body, the eyes, safe. So, remember to keep in mind the following simple but useful measures —
- If a splinter (or something hot and burning) gets into the eyes, immediately wash with plenty of clean water. Use only clean water. Tap water, drinking water - any clean water will do. You can also apply ice or cold compress if possible. It is important to go to the nearest doctor as quickly as possible. Several eye hospitals keep special night and emergency facilities open during Diwali.
- Wearing plain spectacles (without “power”) goes a long way in safeguarding your eyes. At times, accidents happen when someone in a spirit of excitement and adventure, attempts to burst crackers in dangerous ways. This is extremely foolish. Often, we receive patients with injuries from bombs bursting under earthen pots and pans and badly hurting the individual. At other times, a cracker fails to go off initially and thereafter someone attempts to light it again, when it explodes suddenly right on the person’s face. These have been the causes of hundreds of serious injuries during Diwali over the years and should be prohibited.
- Do not cover crackers with glass bottles, tins, boxes, or earthen pots and pans for sound effect or extra impact. They are capable of bursting into tiny pieces and damaging your eyes forever as they fly around in the immediate vicinity. Burst them in an open area under the sky.
- Do not go near crackers that have failed to explode. Try and quickly extinguish any sparks or smouldering bits that you can see, but from a distance.
- If you are wearing contact lenses, it is advisable not to watch or burst crackers and fireworks yourself as they may cause irritation to the eyes if exposed to heat for a long time.
- In case of an eye injury, remember not to rub your eyes or use home remedies like turmeric powder, coconut oil, etc. in the eye or area around it. If there are any tiny particles inside the eyes, the injury may worsen. Instead, wash your eyes with clean water for about 10 minutes and thereafter consult an eye specialist at the earliest.
- Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with handwash or soap after making a rangoli or handling fireworks, and before you touch your eyes. Coloured and chalk powder and chemicals used in crackers and fireworks may cause eye irritation and itchiness and in certain cases, irreparable damage.
- Even though fireworks look attractive and bright, it is best to stay away from them. Do not let young children light crackers on their own. If they are bursting crackers, there should always be adult supervision and guidance.
- And finally, keep your ophthalmologist’s and nearest eye hospital / eye care centre’s numbers handy.
These simple precautions will go a long way to ensure safe and happy festivities for you and your loved ones
Dr. Ankita Raj, consultant, dept. of cataract & corneal diseases, Disha Eye Hospitals