To put it in layman’s terms, Eclipses are nothing but alignment of heavenly bodies in such a way that one heavenly body blocks or obscures the sight of the other heavenly body while passing. So, when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth, obscuring the view of the Sun, it is referred to as a Solar Eclipse while, when it is the Earth blocking the Sun’s light from getting to the Moon, it is called a Lunar Eclipse. A lot of cultural connotations are added to the concept of this phenomenon. Religion, especially plays an important role in the development of baseless superstitions that cannot be explain no matter how hard one tries to explain it. One such myth is that “Eclipses are harmful for pregnant women.” To add to this torment, it is also said that babies born during the duration of an eclipse are born deformed. Here are some popular myths about Eclipses and pregnancy:
Stepping Out: ‘Pregnant women should not step out of the house during an eclipse.’ In all reality, no one should step out during an eclipse because of the harmful UV rays of the Sun are strongest during an Eclipse. So, this one is not restricted to just pregnant women.
No Sharp Objects: It is believed that if pregnant women use sharp objects during an eclipse, the baby will be born with a cleft lip, chin or a birthmark. There is no existence of logic in such statements.
Observe a Fast: It is widely believed that no one should eat anything during an Eclipse. It somehow sounds self-contradictory that pregnant women should take extra care of themselves and also not eat or drink water for the longest duration.
Wearing Metal: Wearing metal is strictly prohibited during an eclipse as it will result in the birth of the child with a facial defect. This one is definitely a myth as there can be no relation, whatsoever, sensed between a natural phenomenon, a pregnant woman and her wearing metal.
Lying in Bed: As a way of protection, it is necessary for the mother-to-be to protect her child and lie straight in her bed. Doctors, on the other hand, are of the strong belief that as long as the baby is in the uterus, it has all the protection that it needs.
Pray and Bathe: Pregnant woman should utilize this time to pray and take a bath as soon as the eclipse is over. Although, this is one of the superstitions that applies to everyone, it is especially recommended for the pregnant ladies. It is supposed to rid the mother and the child of the “bad omen”.
Somewhere along the lines of developing myths and superstitions, logic was left far behind and it is quite evident through these golden superstitions that some ladies are forced to follow to keep the family content and their peace of mind intact. Needless to say for now that all above stated practices are just myths, researchers are studying the effect of eclipses on pregnancy but, so far, none of these statements are proven correct or even relevant for that matter.
