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Guidelines for hennaing Pregnant Women
There is decreased oxygen available during pregnancy and you will need to modify how you treat your pregnant women in order to ensure the maximum amount of comfort and safety for the woman. Body changes from pregnancy persist 4-6 weeks postpartum, so you should continue to use these guidelines if you henna a woman during this period. These guidelines
are also suitable for pregnant women who apply henna!
If you've always had henna, you can probably continue to use henna while you're pregnant, provided your pregnancy isn't considered high risk. Check with your doctor or midwife to make sure that henna is safe for you. If you have not had henna before and it doesn’t seem suitable, ask your henna artist for alternatives such as gilding and glitter work. It is important to know that henna does not interfere with pulse oximetry readings so it is OK for hospital staff to place the fingerclamp on hennaed fingernails (however, wearing nail varnish, glitter and gilding may affect the reading and you will probably be asked to remove it).
¨ G6DP
Deficiency (Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency)
Because your joints are looser than normal avoid doing anything (either receiving or applying henna when pregnant) which could make you overstretch, slip or fall or increase the risk of injury to your abdomen. You also have to take care of your knees as you will be carrying more weight that normal through your pregenancy.
Pregnant or not, take it easy when the sun is blazing hot and the air is humid. Weather like this makes you prone to overheating, which may harm your baby. Although there's no proof of a danger to humans, some animal studies suggest that overheating can cause birth defects. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, your temperature (taken under the arm) should be less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit after exertion. Other signs to look for include clammy hands and hot or cold flushes. Sweating isn't a reliable indicator of overheating. ¨ Ensure that
the room where you henna is well ventilated and cool, and that the pregnant
woman is comfortable.
Besides being uncomfortable, this position can make you dizzy as it places your uterus right on top of the vena cava, a major vein, reducing blood flow to your brain and uterus(some women are comfortable in this position well into their pregnancies). Pay attention to your body's signals: If you feel uncomfortable, get dizzy or short of breath, sit up, or lie on your side. Don’t let pregnant women lie on their back while you henna them. It is more practical and more comfortable for them to sit in a supported position such as on a couch or chair. In a festival situation ensure that you have seating available.
Rise gradually from the floor to avoid a sudden, rapid decrease in blood pressure which may result in momentary dizziness or a blackout. Continue walking after rising to assist return blood flow to the heart. Help your pregnant client get up from whichever position they have chosen.
Layer on clothes so they're easy to shed or wear outfits specially designed for pregnancy to avoid overheating. Make sure your maternity bra offers enough support and consider other maternity support clothing to keep you comfortable.
You can get dehydrated if you don't drink plenty of fluids, which can raise your body temperature to levels that are dangerous for you and the baby. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests drinking about two glasses of water two hours before you begin exertion and drinking 5 to 12 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during exterion. Ensure that you have cool water available for your pregnant client to sip if she needs to.
During pregnancy, all the
connective tissue in the body becomes more relaxed than normal. To help
prevent injury, avoid deep flexion and extension of the joints and avoid
activities that require jumping or jarring motions or rapid changes in
direction. If an activity becomes uncomfortable due to joint instability,
modify or discontinue the activity. Receiving henna is a perfect opportunity to practice your pelvic floor exercises that your midwife will have told you about! No-one need know…!
¨ Bleeding or
unexpected discharge
Joint SOGC / CSEP Clinical
Practice Guideline: Exercise in pregnancy and the Postpartum period, Davied,
G et al. (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology) 2003.
Catharine Hinton Download a printable PDF of this article: Please
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