Does an Eclipse Affect Pregnancy?
In this Article
An eclipse is a natural phenomenon like a sunset and a sunrise. The Earth and its moon are in constant motion. Thus, they are bound to cross over each other at some point in time. However, believers often related eclipses to the important phases of their lives. When it comes to pregnancy, the expectant mother is adviced to follow stringent guidelines to for her and her baby’s health. But, does an eclipse affect pregnancy? Let’s find out!
What Is an Eclipse?
An eclipse occurs when a star or planet is temporarily obscured, either by passing into the shadow of another astronomical object or having another object pass between it and the viewer.
What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
When the earth is in between its moon and the sun, a lunar eclipse occurs. The moon basically passes into the earth’s shadow and appears darkened for the humans viewing it from the earth.
Can a Lunar Eclipse Harm Your Baby in the Womb?
It’s believed that an eclipse has bad effects on pregnant women. However, there is no scientific proof to support this belief.
How Age-Old Beliefs Affect Pregnancy
Several age-old beliefs are followed by pregnant women even today. One of them is fasting during the eclipse. If you avoid eating and drinking during an eclipse, it can cause dehydration and have adverse effects on you and your baby. This can also increase your blood pressure, affecting your baby’s health.
Fasting can also give rise to symptoms such as:
These symptoms can persist longer and affect the mother and the baby’s health more, in which case you must consult a doctor immediately.
What Is a Solar Eclipse?
When the Earth’s moon comes in between it and the sun, it’s called a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses cast a shadow on the earth.
Can a Solar Eclipse Harm Your Foetus?
It’s believed that gazing at the sky during an eclipse can cause miscarriage or deformities. However, there are no studies that support this.
Since eclipses are natural, it is important for us to make the difference between myths and facts. Let’s check out some of them.
Myth Vs Fact
We do the myth-busting for you and tell you the facts here:
1. Myth: Stay Indoors and Don’t Look at the Sun
Fact: Turns out, the elders were right with this one! Pregnant women shouldn’t look at an eclipse with naked eyes because:
- The sun’s radiation during an eclipse is harmful.
- It can affect the exposure that your retina will have to the intense visible light of the sun.
- This can cause retinal burns and damage to the light-sensitive rods and cone cells.
2. Myth: Don’t Cook, Eat or Drink During an Eclipse
Fact: The sun rays can’t reach the Earth during an eclipse, causing a drop in the temperature. This causes bacteria, microbes, and harmful germs to multiply. This would hold true in olden days when there were no stoves/microwaves/refrigerators, but now, it can be ignored.
Neither solar eclipse nor lunar eclipse have any effect on pregnancy. While protecting your eyes from the radiation is the only myth proven by science, there is nothing else you need to worry about. However, there are many expectant mothers who don’t mind following the generation-old beliefs and customs, and there is no harm in doing so, as long as their and their little ones’ health is not compromised.
Also Read: Jeera (Cumin) Water During Pregnancy – Benefits and How To Make It
