You must have noticed how family members start worrying about the safety of the pregnant women in the family during a lunar eclipse. Wondering why is it considered a bad omen for the mother and the unborn child? This blog will help you understand the effects of the lunar eclipse during pregnancy.
What is a lunar eclipse?
An astronomical phenomenon, a lunar eclipse occurs when the earth blocks the sunlight and casts a shadow on the Moon. This happens when the Earth aligns between the sun and the moon. A lunar eclipse can only take place during a full moonlight and can last for up to 5 or more hours. There are three types of lunar eclipse: Partial lunar eclipse, Total lunar eclipse, and Penumbral lunar eclipse. The type of lunar eclipse that occurs depends on the alignment of the earth, sun, and moon.
Is Lunar Eclipse harmful during pregnancy?
Ever since ancient times, a lunar eclipse is considered to be harmful to a pregnant woman. It is strongly believed that pregnant women refrain from stepping out of their homes during the eclipse to ensure that both the baby and the mother are safe.
Another common belief is that women expecting a child should not sleep during this time or eat or drink anything. These beliefs are deep-rooted in many cultures from across the globe and especially in Asian countries like India. However, to date, there is no scientific proof to back this superstition.
How can pregnant women stay safe during a lunar eclipse: 10 Tips
1) During the eclipse, avoid using sharp objects such as a knife, scissors, or a needle.
2) Stay indoors. It is a strong belief that pregnant women should not step out of their homes during eclipse hours.
3) Refrain from eating or drinking anything during the eclipse.
4) Make sure that the windows are covered. You can use thick curtains, newspapers, or cardboard to ensure that the rays of the eclipse do not enter your house.
5) Do not consume food that was cooked before the lunar eclipse
6) During the eclipse hours, take a lot of rest and don’t indulge in any physical activity
7) Avoid sewing or knitting during the day of the eclipse
8) Avoid wearing hairpins or any other kind of metal accessories
9) Listen to devotional songs
10) Practice chanting. You could chant the Gayatri mantra or Om Namah Shivaya during the eclipse hours.
FAQS
- Does Lunar Eclipse bring good luck?
A lunar eclipse is considered to be a bad omen, especially in Indian culture. As per ancient Hindu beliefs, this event is highly inauspicious and does not bring any good luck.
2. Can pregnant women sleep during the lunar eclipse?
According to ancient beliefs, pregnant women should avoid sleeping during the lunar eclipse hours. They should also avoid eating or drinking when the lunar eclipse occurs.
3. What happens when a baby is born during a lunar eclipse?
It is believed that a lunar eclipse can cause cleft lips in unborn kids and lead to the formation of birthmarks. It is also said that the lunar eclipse can cause deformities during the baby’s birth which can have an adverse effect on the mother’s body.
4. Can a lunar eclipse harm an unborn baby?
In countries like India, many people believe that a lunar eclipse can cause deformity in an unborn baby. However, none of these superstitions are backed by any scientific proof. Therefore, it is your call if you want to believe in these myths or not.
5. Do the moon and lunar eclipse have any effect on pregnancy?
There are several superstitions that suggest that touching your belly during that time can really cause a birthmark on your baby. However, there is no strong evidence supporting the notion that a lunar eclipse is harmful during pregnancy
6. Can pregnant women drink water during a lunar eclipse?
There are several myths about the effect of lunar eclipse during pregnancy and the most common one is that water becomes poisonous to both the mother and the baby’s health. This is why it is believed that pregnant women should not consume water during eclipse hours. However, it is not true. As per science, it is completely safe to drink water during an eclipse.
Final Takeaway
There are millions of people from different cultures who strongly believe in this superstition. However, a lunar eclipse is a natural phenomenon and therefore it cannot harm a mother or a child during pregnancy. It entirely depends on you and your family if you wish to believe in these myths or the facts backed by science.
Also remember that it is very unhealthy to stay without water or food as it can lead to excessive dehydration, and low blood pressure, and also cause headaches, fatigue, acidity, or even fainting. Especially during the summer season.
