Can A Full Moon Cause Strange Behavior & Even Cause Labor Pains? Myth or Truth?
Posted: Thursday, April 07, 2011
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
Years ago I worked at a hospital as a Switchboard Operator. It was the hub and heartbeat of the hospital. I knew so much that was going on throughout those halls and doors. I remember when I worked the night shift during a full moon. It was both chaotic and eerie. Even some of the doctors and nurses believed human behavior was affected by the full moon. It was thought that people acted “crazy” and did “crazy things.” It was also believed that women went into labor when a full moon was present. Let’s explore some of those possibilities.
A high or low “tide” refers to the rise and fall of the sea level. The gravitational attraction of the sun and moon cause waters of the ocean to ebb and flow at different parts of the earth. The earth and the moon have a gravitational pull on each other, which keeps the moon in orbit around the earth and also causes the tides. Because the earth is surrounded by water, when the moon’s gravity pulls on the earth, it of course pulls the water with it. Simultaneously, there is a force that pulls water out in the opposite direction of the moon.
Can A Full Moon Bring On Labor Pains?
Thus, because of the moon’s gravitational pull, there is a theory that this pull effects the amniotic fluid of expectant mothers in the same way as it effects the water in the sea and even water that is otherwise found in our bodies. Some maternity units actually have more staff available during periods of full moon?
Sometime pregnant women have false labor pains .Expectant mothers visiting the hospital or a clinic with their mistaken signs of labor are part of the reason why extra staff are needed, the major difference is found in the number of women whose amniotic sac — the water — breaks.
Just as some women experience false labor pains, in cases where the water breaking marks the start of childbirth, full moon is the time when it’s most likely to happen. In order to discover for myself whether this could be true, I asked several female friends how their births had started. Those who responded with “the water breaking” were then asked the date of the birth. On checking this against a moon phase chart, I discovered that almost all had given birth on, or very close to, a full moon. (David Rose, author of The Moon and Childbirth)
Can A Full Moon Affect Human Behavior?
The “craziness” theory is derived from lunacy (Latin word “luna” which means moon. A full moon has been blamed for the “crazy” way people act and also nature catastrophes. The full moon has even been blames for insanity and individual committed crime. When I did my research, I was surprised to find out that the attorneys in the 19th century used the term “guilty by reason of a full moon” for their defense argument.
In 1974, a psychologist, Arnold Lieber from the University of Miami conducted studies centered on the crime rates of Miami-Dade County (in Florida). From that study, he concluded that a full moon has direct effect over the increase in homicide rates. He was so sure about his research that he contacted the police, hospital and the media to warn them of the danger they could expect when a full moon was present. In 1978 he wrote a best-selling book called, "Lunar Effects: Biological Tides and Human Emotions” and in 1996 published another book from his studies.
“There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery” Joseph
What do you think? Are the “full moon” theories a myth or is it really some mysterious force that plays havoc on our lives and causes women to go into labor?
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)You are right on with this and there is no doubt about it. Not only moon affects our behavior or mental and physical health, but there are planets like Mars which rule our anger, Jupiter brings wisdom and increases our abilities to earn money, Saturn makes us go through a lot of suffering or even brings success. So different planets have their properties and they work on our psyche. The main reason is that we are made up of the five elements as much as each of these planets are and that is why we are all interconnected. Even Linda Goodman has spoken about not conducting surgeries on full moon as it may have repercussions on the body. I don't remember exact reasons but it is there in her book "Star Signs". Thank you, Fran.
You are right on with this and there is no doubt about it. Not only moon affects our behavior or mental and physical health, but there are planets like Mars which rule our anger, Jupiter brings wisdom and increases our abilities to earn money, Saturn makes us go through a lot of suffering or even brings success. So different planets have their properties and they work on our psyche. The main reason is that we are made up of the five elements as much as each of these planets are and that is why we are all interconnected. Even Linda Goodman has spoken about not conducting surgeries on full moon as it may have repercussions on the body. I don't remember exact reasons but it is there in her book "Star Signs". Thank you, Fran.DMWow! That is really fascinating, DM. The following is all new information for me
:" The main reason is that we are made up of the five elements as much as each of these planets are and that is why we are all interconnected." See, once again, you would honor this subject better than I (by writing about the planets).
Thanks so much for your words of wisdom.
Fran
Hmmm, this is a really interesting question. I've heard all my life from medical personnel and law enforcement that human behavior is affected by a full moon. I've always wondered if statistics would back it up. Are there really more murders or babies born on a full moon night, so now I know someone actually checked it out. Fascinating. I'll be sure to be more careful next full moon! :)When I worked at the hospital, it was really a big event when there was a full moon. Maybe we just noticed erratic behavior more at that time, but we always had stories to tell. Maybe that is why we relate Halloween to a full moon.
Thanks, Jean.
My friend who works labor and delivery seems to think so. And perhaps the gravitational properties weigh in here.Yes, that was the way it was when I worked in the hospital, also. Those are the things in life one can't really prove.
Best to you, Fran (forgot to log in)
From a middle school teacher for 32 years, and my wife, a K-g teacher for 34 years, we both can attest to the effects of the moon on students' attitude and behavior - great article, and in my opinion no further research is needed. :) smile :)That is very interesting. I am assuming that the behavior you are speaking of was in a negative way. In my opinion, children also react to windy and wild wheather by being "wild." Thanks for your comment on this very fascinating subject.
Dave, the comment is from me...Fran - I forgot to log in.
Here's how I look at it - the moon affects the oceans and atmosphere. And since that is the case, I firmly believe it affects people as well. Just think of our overall percentage of water in the body - My thought is that the pull of the moon might then also affect those water levels within us. Those are just my musings and obviously are not founded on rock hard science. What I do know, however, and this I can attest to personally, is that some people get positively off kilter when the moon is full. Why, it makes me think that the next thing they'll do is bay at the moon.Heidi,
You are not alone in your water theory. Many people believe the way you do. It would be interesting to take a poll and see who believes the moon has an affect on us.
I appreciate your comment.
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