Bust the myths about eclipses during pregnancy: Do not let yourself and your baby go into danger

India will witness the second lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan of 2020 on July 5. This will be a penumbral lunar eclipse which happens when Earth, Moon and Sun are not completely aligned.
This cosmic event is of three kinds: total, partial, and penumbral. We are supposed to witness the Earth partially blocking the Sun’s light from reaching the moon.
The period of June- July 2020 witness three eclipses in a line.First on 5th- 6th June we saw a lunar eclipse, 21st was June a solar eclipse and 5th July would again be an eclipse. Usually, a solar eclipse is accompanied by a lunar eclipse but two lunar eclipses along with solar eclipse are also not uncommon.
Though not proven scientifically or medically, the general perception is that eclipse is a para cosmic phenomenon which affects humans in several ways. For pregnant women, there are several Dos and Don’ts during eclipses. It was initially believed that eclipses affect tides and waves to some extent. Some studies reveal that lunar eclipse may cause some changes in human behaviour and blood pressure but not proven clinically so far.
During pregnancy, it’s an old wife’s tale that if rays fall on the lady who is pregnant will cause harm to her baby. The old fore lore says baby’s had malformations like cleft palate, birthmarks and even death if exposed to the rays of sun/ moon during an eclipse. As in earlier times, no ultrasound or tests were available to rule out malformations hence the blame was put on the eclipse. Since the invention of advanced ultrasounds and genetics, the causes are known to us hence these myths have been proved wrong but still some people believe in these myths. Pregnant women are advised to avoid a bath, sleep, eat, drink or use a sharp object during an eclipse. This belief scientifically has no base.
Pregnant patients are not allowed to touch their bellies. Any food cooked or kept food during that time is not to be eaten. Pregnant ladies are asked to stay indoors, not allowed to eat or drink, take bath, use sharp instruments and working ladies are forced to stay indoors. In today’s fast world where both men and women are working it is difficult to take leave on such occasions; being nuclear families such myths if followed and if forced upon creating a lot of stress. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from harmful myths. There is no cause a mother should worry about an eclipse and continue her life as usual.
As a gynaecologist, I strongly recommend to eat, drink, bathe and sleep during these times. Some families are very traditional; either we should fight against such customs and if not possible better be sure that you do not let yourself and your baby go into danger. Staying empty stomach for more than 2-3 hrs might make the mother sick hence refrain from such customs and rituals. For the peace of the family if not urgent you can stay indoors but eat, drinking and sleeping should not be restricted. So do not worry about the eclipse. Have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
The article has been authored by Dr Yashica Gudesar, HoD, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka