My Family Locked Me in a Dark Room Alone for 6 Hours Because I Was Pregnant. Here Is Why.

Today, on April 20, 2023, a solar eclipse graced our skies, and it held unique importance in my world, especially considering my current status in the first trimester of pregnancy. This cosmic event led me to take some specific precautions, and I'd like to share my experiences and insights in navigating it.

In the days leading up to the solar eclipse, my parents and in-laws were earnestly concerned for my well-being, offering a wealth of advice on how to safeguard my health during this celestial phenomenon. Their guidance included avoiding certain physical actions, refraining from engaging in conversations, and steering clear of physical contact with objects. Though their constant reminders could be overwhelming, I understood the importance of heeding their wisdom. Consequently, I managed to wrap up my work commitments a day ahead and returned home to prepare.

The day began early, precisely at 7:06 AM, as I had learned from a quick Google search. To make the most of the day, I set my alarm before 5 AM, ensuring I had enough time for a wholesome breakfast and some relaxation before the eclipse's onset. Following this schedule, I went through my usual morning routine, and my mother-in-law thoughtfully prepared dosas, a traditional South Indian breakfast, for me. With a satisfying meal and ample hydration, I watched the sunrise before retreating to a specially prepared room.

The room was meticulously set up to prevent any sunlight from entering. In the absence of light-blocking curtains, we improvised by using thick bedspreads to cover the windows. Every possible source of external light was sealed off, and even the smallest gap under the door was carefully blocked. When I switched off the lights, the room plunged into complete darkness, an essential element of this unique experience.

The awaited moment arrived at 7:06 AM, and I was alone in the dimly lit room, fully prepared for the eclipse's effects. Following my mother's advice, I began playing devotional songs and quietly sang along. The playlist kicked off with "Sundara Kandam," a sacred hymn. As directed, I refrained from talking to anyone or touching any objects, putting my mobile device aside. The songs played one after another, based on my listening history. Eventually, I found myself drifting off into a light slumber, only to awaken around 9:30 AM.

Typically, during my pregnancy, I sleep on my left side as it's considered more conducive to the baby's well-being. Explore my detailed pregnancy journey here. However, on this occasion, I had unintentionally slept on my right side, which led to some discomfort and stomach pain upon waking. Numerous articles had stressed the importance of left-side sleeping for the baby's growth. After enduring the pain for a while, I managed to adjust my position to alleviate it.

Feeling as though half of the day had passed, I realized there were still three more hours ahead. I resumed listening to the devotional songs, ensuring I adhered to the recommended practices. It was nearly 10 AM, which would typically be a regular working hour for me. Despite having taken leave for the day, my colleagues reached out, assuming I was at work. In my half-asleep state, I inadvertently engaged in conversation, momentarily forgetting my mother's instructions. A quick call to my mom served as a gentle reminder not to converse with anyone and to return to my state of rest. I complied, setting aside any distractions and refocusing on the music. This time, however, I did not forget the need to avoid physical contact with objects. The hours passed, and I soon realized that I had spent more than four hours on my mobile device, as indicated by the "digital well-being" feature. This left me feeling somewhat regretful.

As the morning hours advanced, my stomach began to growl, indicating hunger. However, during this time, I had been advised not to consume even water. Starting around noon, I resorted to swallowing my own saliva to alleviate the growing thirst. I eagerly anticipated 12:30 PM, closely monitoring the time for the eclipse to conclude. As the clock neared this time, my mother-in-law called and urged me to eat. I informed her that I would wait for another half-hour while remaining in bed. At precisely 1 PM, with increased confidence, I cautiously opened the door and peered outside to assess the temperature, considering the room had been devoid of sunlight and light for an extended period. Eventually, I emerged from the room, took a bath, and had my first meal since the morning. While this satisfied my hunger, my stomach continued to yearn for more. Finally, as the solar eclipse concluded,