Being bitten by a snake during pregnancy, what effect does it have on the fetus in the womb?

The effects of global warming and deforestation continue to force wild animals to "flee" to densely populated areas. It's no wonder that in recent years you have read more and more news about tigers, elephants, and snakes that are found around people's homes. Wild animals can attack back when they feel disturbed or threatened. Snakes are especially feared because of their bites which may be venomous and life-threatening if pecked. If you have been bitten by a snake while pregnant, what should you do? Is there an effect for the fetus in the womb? The following is the complete information.

Find out first whether the snake is venomous or not

All snakes may bite when they feel threatened, but not all snake bites. Among 2600 different snake species, there are about 400 venomous snakes while the rest are non-venomous.

In Indonesia alone, there are quite a number of venomous snakes. For example, spoon snakes, welang or weling snakes, Javanese cobras, ground snakes, green snakes, sea snakes, tree snakes, King Cobra, and others. These snakes are found in shrubs, plantations, swamps, rice fields or agricultural land, maybe even cities.

So, how to distinguish which snakes are venomous and which are not? In fact, there is no sure way to tell the difference unless you are an expert on snakes. Even so, there are some general guidelines that can help you.

Characteristics of venomous snakes (source: theydiffer.com)

Venomous snakes generally have a triangular or diamond-shaped head (rectangular) that looks pointy when viewed from the side and has a heat sensing hole. Non-venomous snakes usually have a round or round head shape, and do not have holes.

The eye of a rattlesnake looks like a cat's eye, with oblong vertical pupils that resemble slit lines. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, somewhat similar to those of a human eye.

A non-venomous snake's tail (top image) and a rattlesnake's tail (bottom image)

Other than that, vipers have a single row of scales at the end of their tail. In non-venomous snakes, there are two visible lines separating the two rows of scales at the end of the tail. If you don't see the line separating the two rows of scales, this is a sign that the snake is poisonous.

What are the consequences if bitten by a snake?

The impact of a snake bite will depend on the type of snake. Regardless of whether it is venomous or not, snake bites generally cause skin bruising, pain, swelling, bleeding; nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness or vertigo, weakness to fainting.

Snake venom works to damage nerves and internal organs. Apart from the general symptoms above, a rattlesnake bite may also cause instantaneous paralysis or death. Most snake venom works slowly, so it doesn't cause immediate death. Death from snake venom can come as quickly as 10 minutes to several hours, depending on how many doses of venom you receive. The average time to death after a bite is about 30-60 minutes.

Even so, that does not mean that you should underestimate snake bites. Although it is not poisonous, you should still seek medical attention because even non-venom bites have the risk of causing infection. A bite from a large snake, such as a boa, can cause large open sores that risk causing heavy bleeding, so it's recommended that you treat the wound immediately.

What is the effect on the fetus if the mother is bitten by a snake during pregnancy?

If you are bitten by a non-venomous snake, you can be sure that the symptoms are limited to the mother's body. The reason is, no poison enters the mother's blood.

It's a different story if you get bitten by a poisonous snake. While causing physical symptoms in the mother, snake venom venom also enters the blood and flows into the placenta so that it eventually enters the fetus's bloodstream.

Until now it is not certain what the risk of complications that might occur in the fetus in the future if the mother is bitten by a snake during pregnancy. A study in China found no significant developmental problems in children born to mothers who had been bitten by a snake while pregnant. Further research is needed because the scientific data is still very limited.

How to treat snake bites during pregnancy?

1. Keep calm

The first step to take if you or a pregnant woman is bitten by a snake is to create a calm situation. This is important because a panic situation can exacerbate your condition.

2. Look at the bite mark

As much as possible identify the type of snake that bites (see explanation above). If you are still unsure, look at the shape of the bite.

The difference between venomous and non-venomous snake bites

Two closely spaced, deep puncture marks indicate that the snake is venomous. On the other hand, a shallow, tattered, tooth-like bite mark means that the snake does not have fangs, which only non-venomous snakes have.

3. Minimize movement

Try to keep the affected limb from moving or moving too much. This aims to inhibit the spread of snake venom in the event of a bite by a venomous snake. Position the area of the body where the bite is lower than the heart and other body positions.

Remove rings or watches or loosen clothing from the bitten limb, so as not to increase the swelling.

Next clean the bite area. However, don't rinse it off with water. Wipe with a clean dry cloth and cover with clean gauze. Wrap it from the bottom to the top of the bite quite tightly.

4. Seek medical help immediately

Immediately go to the nearest health facility so that the wound can be examined and treated further. Doctors usually give anti-snake venom serum (SABU) to neutralize snake venom.

Even so, the use of SABU cannot be confirmed completely safe for pregnant women. Some data states that SATURDAY can affect fetal growth and development, while other studies suggest otherwise. The lack of research and supporting data in the world makes doctor's consideration important in this case.

You should consult your doctor about the best and safe treatment for you if you are bitten by a snake while pregnant.