Snakebite during pregnancy: a literature review

Wilderness Environ Med. 2010 Mar;21(1):54-60. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2009.12.025. Epub 2009 Dec 22.

Abstract

Objective: To review reported bites by venomous snakes in pregnant women.

Methods: This is a review of Medline/PubMed articles on venomous snakebites occurring during pregnancy reported in the English literature from 1966 to May 2009.

Results: Two hundred thirteen venomous snakebites were reported in pregnant women. The overall case-fatality rate in the pregnant females was approximately 4%, and the fetal loss rate was approximately 20%.

Conclusions: Although rare, venomous bites and stings during pregnancy may have a significant adverse effect on the fetus as well as the mother.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fetal Mortality*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Snake Bites / complications*
  • Snake Bites / epidemiology*
  • Snake Venoms / poisoning*

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Snake Venoms