Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses
Published on: December 29, 2015
Japanese Pit Viper Bite during Pregnancy
Shintaro Kakimoto1, Yukinori Harada1, Taro Shimizu1
1Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan.
A 28-year-old pregnant woman presented with swelling of the left foot after she was bitten by a Japanese pit viper. At first the swelling was mild to moderate but then spread up to the left knee the following day. The patient's condition improved with antivenom treatment. No complication occurred in either the mother or the fetus. Although adverse reaction is a concern, antivenom should be considered as an option even in pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks.
A 28-year-old pregnant woman presented with swelling of the left foot after she was bitten by a Japanese pit viper. At first the swelling was mild to moderate but then spread up to the left knee the following day. The patient's condition improved with antivenom treatment. No complication occurred in either the mother or the fetus. Although adverse reaction is a concern, antivenom should be considered as an option even in pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Learning Points:
The use of antivenom for snakebites can sometimes be problematic in pregnant patients due to the adverse effects of antivenom.Clinicians should decide whether or not to use antivenom based on the specific venom type.
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...

