The women of India have been painting their bodies (mostly hands, feet and face since the rest is supposed to be covered up) for over 5,000 years. Traditionally worn in a ritualized manner for ceremonies and important occasions such as weddings, the art takes a different form in Western countries. While many people like the ancient patterns of swirls and scrolls, they put them in untraditional places like around a pregnant belly.

Jessica McQueen, a henna artist from California says,” Applying henna to the belly toward the end of a pregnancy in certain cultures is believed to protect or bless the mother and child during the difficulties of labor. It’s believed to guard against the evil eye and protect from evil or malicious spirits that may be near during delivery.”

“If a woman wants to get a henna even in the last months of pregnancy, I would suggest that she goes for it if it brings her delight and makes her feel beautiful, “ encourages Canadian henna artist Luma R. Brieuc.

Henna is made from an herbal compound with no known side effects or reactions. True henna is brown though it will change and fade for the one to four weeks it’s on. Some kits offer black henna but it’s dangerous to use as it’s color comes from a toxic chemical dye. Henna is applied using a stencil and a paste make of the plant (most people also add scents). The application process can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours but it’s the setting process that is most time-consuming. Some henna artists recommend leaving the paste on for up to eight hours. The longer it’s on, the darker the design. While the paste will dry and start peeling, you may need to use some vegetable oil to get it all off. Keep the design out of the water for at least 24 hours afterwards as well.

“During pregnancy, henna stains are not as dark as they could be," says Brieuc. “It has more to do with the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy than the "thickness" of the skin. The hormonal changes affect the ph level of the skin, which in turn affects the darkness of the henna stain. Each woman responds differently, and usually the henna is darker earlier in pregnancy.“

McQueen suggests pregnant women use a simple henna recipe to limit irritation. “Use henna powder, lemon or lime juice, sugar, and lavender essential oils,” she said. “There is no reason why a medium darkness stain cannot be achieved on a pregnant belly if a good fresh powder with lavender oils is used. Patterns on bellies will always be lighter than on hands and feet, whether pregnant or not. Leaving the paste on for eight hours really helps, four hours would be my minimum.”

Henna mehndi can be applied to any part of your skin. Invite a henna artist to your Blessingway and have her put the same “bracelet” or “anklet” on everyone as a symbol of your unity of support for the new mom. When she looks at her own hand during labor, she will be connected to her circle of friends.

“Blessingways and henna parties can be combined into a day of pampering and relaxation for the expectant mom and her friends as well,“ McQueen suggests. “It is a fun reason to gather the women in your life together for support, encouragement, and a little excitement while celebrating the end of your pregnancy. Plus, everyone has a little reminder of the day together as the designs last seven to ten days.”

McQueen agrees, "Having henna applied, having someone touching your swollen belly can be very calming. The henna paste is cooling and can help relieve heat exhaustion and sooth hot skin as well as being a natural sun block. Henna brings something restful and joyous to the strenuous last trimester and helps women embrace the transformation and swollen belly.”

The application process of mehndi or henna body art on a pregnant belly is a time where the mom needs to be still and relaxed. She has to find time in her schedule to sit down for a few hours and focus on her belly, on her pregnancy, and her new life. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with a few close girlfriends before the birth.

Henna Mehndi looks like tattooing, but the experience is painless and pleasant and the effects simply stunning.