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Once a woman announces her pregnancy, she’s bombarded with all sorts of advice. Some of them might be serious and totally logical. Others might range from amusing to absurd myths. While some of the myths may not affect her life in a serious way, others might become a bane of her life, especially if insisted upon by the elderly ladies of the house. One such instance where a pregnant woman might have to endure such myths is during a lunar eclipse. Does it ring a bell already? Here are a few such amusing pregnancy myths related to the lunar eclipse:
1. Looking At The Eclipse Results In Deformities In The Newborn
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Many pregnant women are literally locked indoors through the entire duration of the eclipse. This is due to the belief that witnessing the eclipse would result in the baby being born with deformities. However, remember that any direct deformity in a newborn is basically related to either genetics, diet or vitamin deficiency, or any pre-existing health issues of the mother.
2. Using A Knife Will Cause Cleft Lip In The Newborn
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During a lunar eclipse, pregnant women are strongly advised to steer away from the knife due to the fear that it may cause a cleft lip in the newborn. However, there is no truth to this myth. A cleft lip in the newborn is a result of family history, genetic and environmental factors, exposure to alcohol or smoking during pregnancy, obesity in a pregnant woman, or any underlying health issue with expectant mother (1). Anything but a knife!
3. Avoid Eating Or Drinking During The Eclipse
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This is one myth a pregnant woman should totally ignore, even at the cost of annoying someone. A pregnant woman should stay well-hydrated and eat on time. Staying without eating or drinking can cause nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Even the baby is deprived of necessary hydration and nutrition, which could prove fatal. So, a huge thumbs down to this one!
4. A Belly Touch Will Result In A Birthmark
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This is a weird myth wherein it is believed that if a soon-to-be mommy touches her belly, the baby will be born with a birthmark. Now, birthmarks are something that no one has control over, a belly touch being the least of all. It is all based on genes, skin-related conditions, or pigmentation (2). So, if your baby starts kicking for your attention, go ahead and touch your belly without fear!
5. Bathing After An Eclipse Is A Must
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Another amusing myth related to lunar eclipse is that a pregnant woman should bathe after the eclipse to get rid of all the negative energies it generates. You need to know that while the lunar eclipse does affect the earth’s gravitational force a bit, it has no physical effect on human beings, according to NASA (3). Least of all, a negative effect. Moreover, it is quite an unfathomable idea that merely bathing would help you get rid of negative energies. You can laugh out loud on this one!
6. Stay Away From Sharp Objects
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By this, we mean all objects like tiny scissors, kitchen knives, and even regular forks. This is due to the belief that if a pregnant woman ends up with a wound or cut during this time, not only will it bleed for a longer time, but will also take that much time to heal. Again, there is no scientific evidence for this. The amount of bleeding that occurs from small cuts or wounds depends entirely on its depth and a lunar eclipse certainly does not influence it at all. You can breathe easy about this one as well.
Now you know that some of these myths are neither dangerous nor scientific in any which way. Have you also heard or been subjected to any such myths about lunar eclipse during your pregnancy? If yes, please do share it with our fellow mothers and help bust some of them!
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