Solar eclipse 2023: Precautions for pregnant women; Dos & don'ts

On April 20, the world will experience the first solar eclipse of the year 2023, that will take place on Vaishakh Amavasya, which is the new moon day of the Hindu month of Vaishakh.

The rare hybrid eclipse will begin at 07.04 am and will take place till 12.29 pm. The overall duration of the eclipse will be more than five hours. Unfortunately, the astronomical event will not be available in India.

The Ningaloo eclipse will be visible from Australia, the Pacific Ocean, East and South Asia, Antarctica, and the Indian Ocean. The celestial event will coincide with Eid-Ul-Fitr, which has delighted sky gazers across the globe.

According to popular beliefs, a solar eclipse is considered a bad omen for a pregnant woman. It is believed that gazing at the sky during an eclipse will affect the developing baby by causing a physical deformity, cleft lip or birthmarks.

There is no scientific proof to back this superstition but the general perception is that eclipse is a para cosmic phenomenon which affects humans, especially pregnant woman in several ways.

• As per ancient beliefs, women expecting babies or those who are pregnant should stay indoors during the course of the solar eclipse.
• Women are advised not to wear any metallic items like bangles, pins etc.
• Pregnant women should avoid eating or drinking during the time of the solar eclipse. However, if one experiences hunger pangs, they can consume fresh fruits.
• Pregnant women should avoid sleeping during the eclipse. If possible, do meditation and chant mantras as it helps to keep your mind at peace.
• Cover windows with thick curtains so that the rays don't enter your home.
• It is advisable that women should take bath once the time period of the eclipse is over.
• Pregnant patients are not supposed to touch their bellies.
• Though these practices are not science backed, people believe in these age-old traditions and continue to follow the same.