Mejenkwaad

The Mejenkwaad is a form of ghost or demon from the Marshall Islands. They are formed when the husbands of pregnant women leave, and do not return before the birth. After transforming, they devour their husbands as soon as they return. It was believed this was the fate of any lonely pregnant woman. There is a story of the island of Airok which had an incredibly high pregnancy death rate and was filled with Mejenkwaad. There were two women who never gave birth and lived to be old. They treated these Mejenkwaad as their daughters. They lived on the oceanside of Airok and none passed through that area because of them. One day a pregnant woman went to that side of the island, believing herself condemned to die. She showed no fear of the Mejenkwaad and told them of her situation. The Mejenkwaad helped her and taught her how to give birth without dying. The woman had a son, and they both returned to their village and told the others the secret of safe childbirth.

Citations:

Marshall Islands Legends and Stories. United States, Bess Press, 2003.