envenomation during pregnancy is associated with increased risks including miscarriage

Several studies and case reports indicate that snake envenomation during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including miscarriage:

Spontaneous abortions: Multiple studies report high rates of spontaneous abortions following venomous snake bites in pregnant women. One study found that nearly 30% of envenomated pregnant mothers experienced a spontaneous abortion.

Fetal loss: A review of 30 cases with detailed information showed a 43% fetal loss rate (excluding elective abortions).

Trimester-specific risks: Pregnant women in their first trimester appear to be at higher risk, with one study reporting 75% of pregnant snakebite victims were in their first trimester.

Mechanisms of harm: Snake venom can cause various complications that may lead to miscarriage, including:

-Placental abruption

-Preterm labor

-Decreased fetal movements

-Maternal hypotension and shock

-Coagulation disorders

Severity correlation: The risk of obstetrical complications, including miscarriage, appears to be related to the severity of envenomation.

However, it’s important to note that not all snake bites in pregnant women result in miscarriage. Prompt and appropriate treatment with antivenom can significantly improve outcomes for both mother and fetus.

Several birth defects and later problems have been associated with babies born to women bitten by venomous snakes during pregnancy:

Congenital malformations:

–Cleft lip and palate

–Bilateral preauricular sinus

–Hydrocephalus

–Polydactyly

Neurological issues:

–Intracranial hemorrhage

–Dilatation of the ventricles

Other complications:

–Prematurity

–Low birth weight

–Neonatal jaundice

–Anemia

–Sepsis

It’s important to note that while these issues have been reported in case studies, a direct causal relationship between snake venom and these outcomes has not been definitively established13. The risks may vary depending on factors such as:

–Timing of the bite during pregnancy

–Amount of venom injected

–Type of snake

–Severity of envenomation

–Promptness and quality of treatment

Research suggests that snake venom may have embryotoxic and teratogenic effects, as demonstrated in animal studies. However, there are also reports of healthy, live births after proper treatment with antivenom.

A study in the Brazilian Amazon found that pregnant women who suffered snakebites were at higher risk for fetal death (OR: 2.17) and neonatal death (OR: 2.79) compared to pregnant women without snakebites.

Given these potential risks, prompt and appropriate treatment of snakebites during pregnancy is crucial to improve outcomes for both mother and fetus.