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Viper bite in pregnancy
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025

Pregnant women should avoid places where they might encounter a snake, since in this case the danger threatens not only the mother but also the child. In addition, it is much more difficult to treat pregnant women, many remedies cannot be used.
Treatment of a viper bite in pregnancy
Let's consider the procedure to follow in case of a snake bite, especially if the victim is a pregnant woman.
- It is necessary to suck out the poison as quickly as possible so that it does not penetrate deep into the tissues and does not cause an even greater reaction, does not become the cause of poisoning. It is always necessary to remember that the danger threatens two lives at once, so you need to act as quickly as possible. Suctioning out the poison can be effective for 2-3 minutes, after which the poison is already absorbed into the body, and has a systemic toxic effect.
- If swelling or an allergic reaction develops, an antiallergic agent can be used, in particular, suprastin. It must be dissolved by placing it under the tongue. Swallow, after mixing it with saliva. Do not swallow the tablet under any circumstances. When swallowing with saliva, the mucous membranes are irritated, which stimulates the production of immunoglobulin A, which protects the mucous membranes and relieves inflammation. When swallowing, the tablet enters the systemic bloodstream, affects the entire body, and also penetrates transplacentally. However, if it is possible not to give the tablet, it is better not to do this, but to wait for the ambulance to arrive.
- In no case should a tourniquet be applied, since this causes tissue compression, disrupts blood flow and metabolic processes, which leads to further tissue necrosis. Also, you cannot cauterize the bite site, since this will cause the poison in the wound to bake, and it will be almost impossible to remove it later.
It is also not recommended to cut the wound, let the blood along with the poison, since you can introduce an infection, which is fraught with a severe infectious process, which progresses especially quickly in pregnant women. This is explained by the fact that pregnant women have reduced immunity, disrupted microflora, as a result of which the infection easily penetrates the body, quickly enters the biocenosis, and provokes the development of the disease.
The infection also spreads quite quickly due to the increased volume of the uterus and accelerated blood flow. An additional risk arises due to the possibility of intrauterine infection of the child (fetus). The situation is complicated by the fact that antibiotics cannot be taken. There are only a few antibiotics that are allowed to be used during pregnancy.
- You need to call an ambulance as soon as possible. And until it arrives, if possible, do not give the victim any medications. You need to give as much water as possible and ensure immobility.
- Primary care should be provided directly in a medical facility, under the supervision of a physician, since the risks are quite high.
First aid for a viper bite in the forest
The first aid algorithm is standard: first, you need to suck out the poison, then, if necessary, give a suprastin tablet (or another antihistamine). You need to call an ambulance immediately. If it is possible to inject serum, it is definitely administered (antitoxic serum "Antigadyuka"). Then you should take a horizontal position, if possible, ensure immobility of the affected area of the body. First aid should be provided as quickly as possible, since the poison is absorbed very quickly and can cause significant damage. First aid is effective within the first 10-15 minutes after the bite. Suctioning the poison is effective if you start it in the first 3-4 minutes after the bite.
It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids. It is better to drink plain clean water, but sweet water and sweet tea will also do, especially if the victim feels chills and dizziness. Alcohol should never be used, and alcohol tinctures for external use are also contraindicated. The wound should not be cauterized.