Uttarayan is celebrated in most parts of India. It’s hard not to go up on the terrace on Makar Sankranti day. But your priorities are a little different this year. Learn to love what you have rather than worrying about what you don’t... You are very lucky that you are either pregnant or a parent and it is your utmost duty to take good care of yourself and your baby.

Tips for Moms to be:

• Cover yourself with sunscreen to protect your skin

• Wear a cap or scarf over your head to protect your hair

• Colour clothes are much preferred in the sun

• Drink plenty of fluids (Mainly water) to overcome dehydration

• Avoid spicy and fried food

• Avoid sugary chikki, and don’t overeat jaggery chikki

• This year it’s time for you to just chill, and fly only one or two kites to satisfy your passion.

• Chinese thread can be dangerous. It should not strike you on the throat or belly

• Be aware that lanterns, at times it can spread fire

• Be careful in climbing up and down the stairs of the terrace

• Strings can be stuck anywhere on the terrace or on the road, watch each step moving ahead

Tips for Babies:

• Babies' ears are very delicate, don’t expose them to loud sounds on the terrace

• Apply sunscreen

• Cover his/her body as much as you can to prevent sunburns and cold

• Don’t expose your child to direct sunlight, can be too bright to handle for a baby’s eyes.

• Breastfeed baby on time. Don’t feed formula for you to spend more time on the terrace.

• Cover the baby with a mosquito net to prevent any insect bites and string cuts

• Protect your baby from any other elder kid from taking him/her near the edge of the terrace.

• If your child has learned to run around, be with the child all the time to prevent any accidents, OR wear your baby (with the help of baby carriers or slings)

• In case the child has learned to put anything in their mouth, don’t keep any unfriendly food items or objects that can cause harm

Rita’s Pregnancy 101 wishes you all a very happy and safe Uttarayan....