Eclipse and Pregnancy (Scientific Facts)

On 25th April first eclipse of the year 2013 will take place. This eclipse is a lunar eclipse. Myths associated with eclipse and pregnancies are not all superstitions but some do have a scientific basis. Check out the facts and myths associated with eclipse and pregnancy. Eclipses are of two types – solar and lunar. Since ages, there have been a lot of taboos and myths regarding the relationship between eclipses and pregnancy. Different religions have different views, but the common factor is all of them are myths with no scientific basis for them. However, all the myths cannot be negated; as if you look deeper you will realise that some of these myths are actually precautionary measures that look to ensure the health and safety of the pregnant woman. A few of them are discussed below: In this articleThere is Nothing Unnatural in an EclipseSuperstitions Rule the Roost Staying IndoorsNot to Hold Scissors, Needles, Knives or Any Sharps ObjectAvoid Eating There is Nothing Unnatural in an Eclipse One must understand that both solar and lunar eclipses are natural phenomenon and has been happening since the creation of this universe and since time immemorial humans have also given birth and been pregnant along with other species during the time when there happened to be an eclipse. So it is improbable that an eclipse can cause a direct negative impact on a pregnant woman.Superstitions Rule the Roost Across religions and cultures we will come across innumerable beliefs and myths on how negative impacts are rendered on a pregnant woman during eclipses. Through the ages people have added intensity to these myths by associating them with some accident befalling the pregnant woman or her delivery and the eclipse, although there is no viable scientific relation between the two.Staying IndoorsIf there is darkness suddenly in a broad daylight, as it happens during a solar eclipse, anyone would be curious to look up at the sky. The myth of staying indoors was created due to this scientific fact that the solar rays or partial eclipse are harmful to the eyes and there were no solar glasses, or other protective gears in the earlier ages.Not to Hold Scissors, Needles, Knives or Any Sharps Object It has been customary not to hold these objects by the pregnant woman during eclipse. This is basically to avoid the possibility of any injury. If you look for a scientific basis for this belief, it is – during eclipses, some sensitive pregnant women may experience a rise in their blood pressure levels or experienced nervousness. So it is very likely that the trembling hands might cause an injury, besides injuries take longer to get cured completely during pregnancy, due to various other factors.Avoid Eating The myth is to avoid eating anything during the eclipse. During eclipse, with a sudden fall in temperature, germs germinate very easily. So it is advisable by traditionalists not to have food during the eclipse. But we have noticed around us that if we maintain the hygiene, there is no harm in having food during eclipse for the pregnant woman as well. The factor to note is that, the blood pressure surges during eclipse and digestion might become difficult during pregnancy. If you take into account the changes occurring during the eclipses like the radiation changes and alterations in gravity, they are so negligible, that they are less likely to cause any effect on the pregnant lady, or the unborn child. So the myths that a child born with deformations like a cleft lip, or so is caused by eclipses is completely unfounded. A curious mind with a scientific approach and a mind for reasoning will always help you discern on what is right and wrong. Besides, you always have the option of seeking the advice of your healthcare provider when in need.

On 25th April first eclipse of the year 2013 will take place. This eclipse is a lunar eclipse. Myths associated with eclipse and pregnancies are not all superstitions but some do have a scientific basis. Check out the facts and myths associated with eclipse and pregnancy.

Eclipses are of two types – solar and lunar. Since ages, there have been a lot of taboos and myths regarding the relationship between eclipses and pregnancy. Different religions have different views, but the common factor is all of them are myths with no scientific basis for them. However, all the myths cannot be negated; as if you look deeper you will realise that some of these myths are actually precautionary measures that look to ensure the health and safety of the pregnant woman. A few of them are discussed below:

There is Nothing Unnatural in an Eclipse

One must understand that both solar and lunar eclipses are natural phenomenon and has been happening since the creation of this universe and since time immemorial humans have also given birth and been pregnant along with other species during the time when there happened to be an eclipse. So it is improbable that an eclipse can cause a direct negative impact on a pregnant woman.

Superstitions Rule the Roost

Across religions and cultures we will come across innumerable beliefs and myths on how negative impacts are rendered on a pregnant woman during eclipses. Through the ages people have added intensity to these myths by associating them with some accident befalling the pregnant woman or her delivery and the eclipse, although there is no viable scientific relation between the two.

Staying Indoors

If there is darkness suddenly in a broad daylight, as it happens during a solar eclipse, anyone would be curious to look up at the sky. The myth of staying indoors was created due to this scientific fact that the solar rays or partial eclipse are harmful to the eyes and there were no solar glasses, or other protective gears in the earlier ages.

Not to Hold Scissors, Needles, Knives or Any Sharps Object

It has been customary not to hold these objects by the pregnant woman during eclipse. This is basically to avoid the possibility of any injury. If you look for a scientific basis for this belief, it is – during eclipses, some sensitive pregnant women may experience a rise in their blood pressure levels or experienced nervousness. So it is very likely that the trembling hands might cause an injury, besides injuries take longer to get cured completely during pregnancy, due to various other factors.

Avoid Eating

The myth is to avoid eating anything during the eclipse. During eclipse, with a sudden fall in temperature, germs germinate very easily. So it is advisable by traditionalists not to have food during the eclipse. But we have noticed around us that if we maintain the hygiene, there is no harm in having food during eclipse for the pregnant woman as well. The factor to note is that, the blood pressure surges during eclipse and digestion might become difficult during pregnancy.

If you take into account the changes occurring during the eclipses like the radiation changes and alterations in gravity, they are so negligible, that they are less likely to cause any effect on the pregnant lady, or the unborn child. So the myths that a child born with deformations like a cleft lip, or so is caused by eclipses is completely unfounded. A curious mind with a scientific approach and a mind for reasoning will always help you discern on what is right and wrong. Besides, you always have the option of seeking the advice of your healthcare provider when in need.