Is it safe for pregnant woman to go out during Eclipse?

6 years ago Baby Destination Editor

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We are soon going to witness a total Lunar eclipse on 31st Jan 2018. It is going to be a rare celestial event nicknamed as “Super Blood Blue Moon”.

On this day, the moon will appear 14% times larger than usual and be called as Supermoon, it will be the third full moon in the month of January and hence be called as Blue moon and it will be eclipsed totally and appear blood red and hence called Blood moon.

There are many people who are excited to view the eclipse. However, most pregnant women are forbidden from viewing such eclipses or even going out or eating anything! It is an age-old belief that an eclipse can harm a pregnant woman and the baby in her womb.

Some of the restrictions placed on a pregnant woman during a solar/lunar eclipse are:

#1. Remaining indoors during an eclipse.
#2. Avoiding food during an eclipse.
#3. Not eating anything that was cooked prior to the start of the eclipse.
#4. Not allowed to touch sharp metal objects.
#5. Not getting exposed to sun’s rays during a solar eclipse.
#6. Taking Bath after eclipse is over.
#7. Avoid any kind of work during the eclipse.

It is believed that doing any of the above will result in deformities in the baby or cause cleft-lip in the baby or may cause unsightly birthmarks or bring bad luck to the baby in future or it may harm the mother during delivery.

Many believe that eclipses cause the psychological effect on humans and cause them to behave abnormally or may cause anxiety which in turn lead to increased blood pressure.

But is it really true that eclipses harm pregnant women? Let us know more about it.

Also Read: Importance of folic acid during pregnancy

Do eclipses really affect pregnant women?

There is no scientific evidence to prove that either solar or lunar eclipse harm the baby or the mother. Eclipses are a natural phenomenon occurring due to the movement of sun, moon and the earth.

In fact, the penumbral eclipses of the moon happen as frequently as the total and partial lunar eclipses and cannot be easily detected at all. You might be even going out and enjoying an outdoor dinner when a penumbral eclipse of the moon is happening.

The moon only reflects the light of the sun and hence, there is nothing like moon’s rays falling on a pregnant woman and causing harm during a lunar eclipse.

During a solar eclipse, the neutrinos generated by the deeper interiors of the sun reach the moon and the earth and pass through it. You might be bombarded by millions of neutrinos every second. However, there is no harmful effect of these on any living being on earth or on any pregnant woman.

However, it is always advised not to view a solar eclipse with naked eyes irrespective of whether you are pregnant or not. Viewing a solar eclipse with naked eyes can cause serious damage to the retina of the eyes.

retina-of-eye

Image Source: BootsWebMD

Should you follow the restrictions during an eclipse?

If you or your family members are really concerned about the possible effects of eclipses, there is absolutely no harm in following them.

If you rely on scientific evidence, there is absolutely no harm in going out to view the celestial event.

However, if you plan to observe the restrictions then there are certain precautions to take as a pregnant woman.

#1. Don’t fast for too long without food and water. If the duration of the eclipse is longer than 4 hours, fasting might make you dehydrated and dizzy.
#2. Eat a wholesome meal few minutes before the start of the eclipse and keep yourself hydrated so that you don’t feel hungry or get cravings during the eclipse.
#3. Keep either oral rehydration salts or glucose handy at home. Use these immediately after the eclipse to re-energize yourself.
#4. If you are advised to rest, then take rest by all means.
#5. Don’t be over anxious or over cautious as eclipses are a natural phenomenon and not a bad omen.
#6. If you want to view a solar eclipse, always carry protective glasses to view it and do not watch solar eclipse with the naked eye.

How will it affect my baby if I go out during an eclipse?

Well, your baby is not going to be affected if you go out during either the lunar or the solar eclipse.

As mentioned earlier about the lunar eclipse, the moon does not emit light and hence, there is nothing like moon’s rays will even fall on you. Though the atmosphere may turn slightly darker during an eclipse, there is no scientific proof that eclipses help microorganisms thrive.

During a solar eclipse, trillions of neutrinos enter the earth and pass through it. You might absorb millions of such neutrinos if you are outside. However, this will not affect you or your growing fetus in any way.

Dear Mothers-to-be, there is no harm in going out during an eclipse if you really want to. They are as natural and real as every day sunrise and sunset.

Also Read: 10 ways to ease labour pain during delivery

The bottom line is that neither the solar nor the lunar eclipses have any effect on your pregnancy but following the traditions and customs is purely your personal choice.

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