Eclipse: Myth or Truth?

Eclipse Harmful to Pregnant Women: Myth or Truth?

In India, eclipse is linked to many Do’s and Don’ts for everybody as it is believed to be a bad omen. Pregnant women are advised not to come outside, eat or cook during a solar and lunar eclipse because people believe that it may have side effects on the growing baby.

How will you determine if all these beliefs about eclipse are just myths or are they for real?

Some Myths and Beliefs:

• It is widely believed that an expectant mother should not go outside during an eclipse and not see with naked eyes. If they do, the child in the womb may develop some deformities.
• Do not use a knife or any sharp metal objects at the time of a lunar eclipse as it may cause the baby to have a cleft lip or birthmarks.
• Do not cook any food during an eclipse and avoid consuming food or water till the eclipse is over. This is applicable to not just pregnant women but also everybody.
• Avoid any work during the time of eclipse and take rest as much as possible.
• Cover the windows with a thick curtain to avoid the rays of eclipse to enter.
• Taking bath after the eclipse is over.

There are many other popular beliefs about the effects of a lunar eclipse during pregnancy, followed in India. 

However, there is no harm in following some of them as it will give a peace of mind to the family.


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It is advisable not to see the eclipse with your naked eyes as it may have a negative effect on eyesight, if not immediately then later in life.

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But with protection, pregnant women can view the beautiful scenery of a solar or a lunar eclipse during pregnancy.

 
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     Pregnant women do need rest so take a break from all the routine chores and rest for a while. Having a bath before going to bed is good for leg cramps and body aches so having a bath after the eclipse is not an unusual thing to do. 

     Do not refrain from eating or drinking water during an eclipse as it may affect you with reduced glucose level in the blood or dehydration in the body.

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     There is no scientific evidence to prove any of the myths about eclipse but also there aren't any scientific studies conducted to disapprove them so think about the possible beliefs that you could follow without affecting your body.

If you follow these precautions strictly, be careful not to go too long without food or drink. Some families believe that an expecting woman should not drink water during an eclipse. This can put you at risk of dehydration, especially if the eclipse is during summer. Fasting for a long time can cause:

•             Headaches

•             Fatigue

•             Fainting

•             Dizzy spells

•             Severe acidity

If you have any of these symptoms irrespective of the eclipse, talk to your doctor right away.

Advise: Do not take medicines on your own just because you think nothing would happen. Believe in your self but do not assume things which may lead to severe problems in future. See your Doctor - Speak out what you assume or think about anything which you are in habit of doing.

You know...."YOU DON'T"

You might have heard a lot about Thyroid from your own sources and you think you know what you should know about THYROID.

But hold on…Is that enough?

Do you know what THRYOID actually means to YOU???

What is THYROID?

Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. This gland makes thyroid hormone that travels in your blood to all parts of your body. The thyroid hormone controls your body's metabolism in many ways, including how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats.

Women are more likely than men to have thyroid disease. One in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime.

In women, thyroid diseases can cause:

• Problems with your menstrual period. Your thyroid helps control your menstrual cycle. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can make your periods very light, heavy, or irregular. Thyroid disease also can cause your periods to stop for several months or longer, a condition called amenorrhea. If your body's immune system causes thyroid disease, other glands, including your ovaries, may be involved. This can lead to early menopause (before age 40).
  
  
• Problems getting pregnant. When thyroid disease affects the menstrual cycle, it also affects ovulation. This can make it harder for you to get pregnant.
  
• Problems during pregnancy. Thyroid problems during pregnancy can cause health problems for the mother and the baby.

The below listed thyroid diseases affect more women than men:

• Disorders that cause hypothyroidism
• Thyroiditis, especially postpartum thyroiditis
• Goiter
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer

Pregnancy-related hormones raise the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Thyroid hormones are necessary for the baby's brain development while in the womb.

It can be harder to diagnose thyroid problems during pregnancy because of the change in hormone levels that normally happen during pregnancy. But it is especially important to check for problems before getting pregnant and during pregnancy. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause problems for both mother and baby.

So, Get your THYROID Tests Done on TIME…Consult your Doctor for more details.

Note: Thyroid status if kept normal with medicines, does not affect the Pregnancy or the Mother.

I. Hyperthyroidism that is not treated with medicine during pregnancy can cause:

• Premature birth (birth of the baby before 37 weeks)
• Preeclampsia, a serious condition starting after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. The only cure for preeclampsia is childbirth.
• Thyroid storm (sudden, severe worsening of symptoms)
• Fast heart rate in the newborn, which can lead to heart failure, poor weight gain, or an enlarged thyroid that can make it hard to breathe
• Low birth weight (smaller than 5 pounds)
• Miscarriage

II. Hypothyroidism that is not treated with medicine during pregnancy can cause:

• Anemia (lower than normal number of healthy red blood cells)
• Preeclampsia
• Low birth weight (smaller than 5 pounds)
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Problems with the baby's growth and brain development

  

Good to know facts:

• Your thyroid influences every cell in your body.
• Anxiety And Insomnia Can Be Signs Of An Overactive Thyroid.
• While sudden weight gain and depression might be caused by an underactive thyroid.
• The thyroid plays a critical role in pregnancy and fetal development.
• If you are diagnosed with thyroid disease, it is important that you take it seriously and follow whatever instructions the doctor gives you. If left untreated, thyroid problems can lead to stroke, heart disease, infertility and Alzheimer's.

      It is never too late to set things right. Your Doctor is your best friend. Have faith - Trust yourself. Decide what is right and what is wrong. Be a fighter- Be a winner.
Win your health - Save your happiness.

Wishing you all a healthy life!