Most of the beliefs have nothing to do with scientific practices and are only rooted deep in tradition
The world is set to witness the first solar eclipse of this year on Saturday, March 29—to roughly last for at least four hours. While the celestial event is perceived differently in many cultures, there are many myths associated with the surya grahan when it comes to pregnancy.
Most of the beliefs have nothing to do with scientific practices and are only rooted deep in tradition. According to experts, it is important to differentiate reality from fiction and concentrate on useful guidance that encourages the well-being and safety of pregnant women and their unborn children.
What is a solar eclipse?
In the United States, the eclipse will begin at around 4:50 am EDT, peak at 6:47 am EDT, and end at 8:43 am EDT. In India, though, surya grahan will begin at 2:20 pm IST and end at 6:13 pm, lasting approximately four hours. It will be at its peak at 4:17 pm.
In many cultures, including in India, a solar or lunar eclipse is considered a bad omen. It is traditionally also considered harmful for a growing baby during pregnancy if the pregnant mother does not take certain precautions. While these beliefs are not supported by science, being firmly engraved in culture leads to a lot of worry for the safety of a growing baby when an eclipse is happening.
According to scientists, the only known health effect of an eclipse is that looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. The sun’s rays can burn the retina, causing blindness. While the retina does not sense pain, the damage can be felt several hours later.
And so, scientists advise only looking at a solar eclipse while wearing eclipse glasses. These glasses filter out most of the sun’s rays, making it safe for your eyes to look at the eclipse when wearing them.
Avoid Going Out
It is a common belief in India that pregnant women should not step outside during a solar eclipse. While there is no scientific basis for this, it is a precautionary measure to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Staying indoors reduces exposure to the sun’s harmful rays during the eclipse.
If a pregnant woman does need to be outside during a solar eclipse, it is important to limit direct exposure to the sun. You must wear protective clothing like long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF—over 40 – to protect your skin.
Take care of the nutrition
Maintain a healthy diet and ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients during your pregnancy. The time of the eclipse is not a reason to skip meals or avoid nutritious foods. In fact, it’s essential to keep up with your regular nutritional intake.
Take adequate rest
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