Snakebite during pregnancy: a literature review

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.