In many cultures, pregnant women are advised not to observe solar or lunar eclipses. The superstition claims that doing so may result in birth defects—most commonly cleft lips, deformities, or stillbirth. It is believed that the eclipse’s shadow or radiation can negatively affect fetal development. Warnings often include staying indoors, covering windows, and avoiding knives or metal objects during the eclipse period.
The concern is rooted in the historical inability to explain congenital abnormalities, which often appeared without any observable cause. Celestial events like eclipses were rare and dramatic, prompting associations with supernatural forces and divine displeasure. The eclipse was viewed as a cosmic disruption, and pregnancy—a vulnerable life stage—was seen as particularly susceptible to its effects.
