Spider Bite During Pregnancy: Causes, Safety, And Treatment

Timely treatment is important to reduce the impact of spider bites during pregnancy.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mamta Sahu, MBBS, DGO Dr. Mamta Sahu Dr. Mamta SahuMBBS, DGO MomJunction on Facebook Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyExperience: 18 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Reshmi Das MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 4 years
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Symptoms Of Spider Bite During Pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

For humans, getting bitten by a spider may lead to allergies, lesions, pus formation, and scars. However, what happens when one experiences a spider bite when pregnant? While pregnant, a spider bite may cause pregnancy complications for both the mother and the baby, and the mother may experience the expected symptoms on a larger scale. Continue reading this post to know about the identification, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of spider bites in pregnancy.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Most spider bites are not a concern, but some spiders are venomous and can harm pregnant women and developing fetuses.
  • Spider bites can cause a burning sensation, itching, rash, muscle aches, headaches, excessive sweating, and tremors or nausea.
  • Identifying the type and severity of spider bites is important to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
  • Treatment for spider bites typically involves a cold pack, bandage, or prescription pain relievers.
  • Wearing long-sleeved clothing, disposing of spiders, and using insect repellents can help prevent spider bites.

Are Spider Bites Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Most spider bites are likely to be harmless. Some spider bites such as brown recluse or black widow could lead to serious illnesses (such as anaphylactic shockiA severe reaction to an allergy may be potentially fatal. ) or death.

This is regardless of pregnancy and may happen with anyone. If possible, try spider identification to spot the spider that has bit you to go for the right treatment (1).

protip_icon Quick tip
If possible, take the spider that bit you to the doctor. It will help identify the spider and initiate suitable treatment (1).

Identifying Spider Bites

Certain venomous arachnids that are responsible for causing bites are discussed below (2).

Widow spiders: They do not come out unless evoked. They are usually present in quiet, undisturbed, or dark places such as basements and closets. Out of five widow spider species, the bites of three black widow spiders are likely to cause severe poisoning. You might recognize them with their reddish-orange ‘hourglass’ shape on their belly.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (US CDC), widow spiders are commonly found in the southern and western United States and live in undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, eaves, fences, and areas with accumulated debris (3).

Widow spider bite may lead to severe poisoning
Image: Shutterstock

Recluse spiders: They are also found in quiet and dark areas similar to the black widows but usually come during the night. There are about 12 species out of which only 50% may cause bites. You might recognize them with their fiddle/violin-shaped markings on the upper body. Some other poisonous recluse spiders could be orange, pale brown, reddish-brown, or gray in color. The US CDC states that recluse spiders can be commonly found in the midwestern and southern United States, in secluded, dry, or sheltered areas or in dark closets, shoes, or attics (3).

protip_icon Caution
Although quite uncommon, venomous spider sting or a spider bite when pregnant may result in fetal complications, such as preterm birthiEarly birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy are over. , stillbirthiFetal death occurring at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy. , and placental abruptioniA pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the womb, depriving the baby of essential nutrients and oxygen. (10).
Some recluse spider bites may be poisonous.
Image: Shutterstock

Symptoms Of Spider Bites During Pregnancy

Signs and symptoms of spider bites are quite apparent. Find below some prominent symptoms of a spider bite that might develop while pregnant (4) (5).

  • Mild pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Abdominal cramps
Experiencing a spider bite when pregnant may lead to abdominal cramps and muscle pain
Image: Shutterstock
  • Muscle ache
  • Headache
  • Excessive sweating
  • Tremor
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Swelling of your lymph nodes
  • Stiffness or pain in joints
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • MalaiseiA general feeling of illness or discomfort.

    • What To Do If You Suspect A Spider Bite?

    If you suspect a spider has bitten you, taking immediate action is important. Follow these steps to assess the situation and ensure proper care (3) (6):

    1. Stay calm and assess the location of a spider bite.
    2. Look for typical signs such as redness, swelling, and itching.
    3. If possible, assess the spider’s appearance to assist in diagnosis.
    4. Clean the affected area with warm water and soap, and pat dry.
    5. Apply cold compressions around the surrounding area.
    6. Keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling.
    7. Avoid scratching the affected area, nor apply any creams or lotions without a doctor’s consultation.
    8. Refrain from touching the bite, and do not try to remove venom.
    9. Monitor your symptoms closely, including their severity.
    10. Even if your symptoms are mild or none, inform your healthcare provider to ensure appropriate care.

    If you experience these symptoms from a spider bite when pregnant, seek prompt medical attention (7) (4):

    • Bitten by a venomous spider, such as a widow or recluse spider
    • Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
    • Headaches, droopy eyes, and muscle stiffening
    • A growing wound at the site
    • Trouble breathing
    • Swallowing difficulties
    • Racing heartbeat
    • Soreness of the affected area is increasing
    • Redness and itchy red streaks around the affected area
    • A wound that turns purple or dark blue

    Treating Spider Bites In Pregnancy

    Early treatment may help mitigate the symptoms and after-effects of a spider bite when pregnant.

    So, you need to seek antivenom medications and treat spider bites as soon as you discover it. Here are some effective prenatal care treatments that may help you alleviate the symptoms of spider bites during pregnancy.

    1. Apply cold packs

    Use cold packs on spider-bitten areas.
    Image: Shutterstock

    Clean the affected skin with water and mild soap. Then apply cold packs to the bitten area to mitigate the inflammation and pain resulting due to the bite. A cold compress may provide you relief from pain significantly  (8).

    2. Use bandage

    Pressure immobilization bandage may help in treating a big black spider bite. You need to bandage the area of your body, such as your leg or arm firmly, and stay calm before seeking medical treatment (9). Also, if the spider has bitten your hand or leg then elevate your hand or leg.

    3. Take over-the-counter medicine

    Having over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol, could also help you get rid of pain resulting from the spider bite. It is good to have a word with your doctor before taking a powerful pain reliever while expecting (8) (9).

    protip_icon Quick tip
    Antiseptic liquid, hydrocortisone creamiA steroid that works on the body’s immune system and helps reduce symptoms like redness, swelling, or itching. and calamine lotion may also help treat the spider bite in pregnant women (10).

    Preventing Spider Bites During Pregnancy

    It is always better to prevent toxin exposure from harmful insect bites during pregnancy than treating them later. Here are some prevention tips to safeguard your pregnancy from the adverse effects of spider bites (1) (10).

    • Wear long-sleeve protective clothing.
    • Use effective insect repellents, such as Picaridin or DEET, on your footwear and clothing.
    Use insect repellants to prevent spider bites
    Image: Shutterstock
  • Get rid of old items, boxes, clothes, and unwanted objects from your house.
  • Stay cautious of areas such as corners behind furniture, undisturbed piles of wood, and seldom-opened containers.
  • Install tight-fitting screens on your doors and windows to keep spiders out of your house.
  • Vacuum spider webs and spiders and using a sealed bag dispose them out of your house
  • Regularly check and clean places where spiders might hide, like basements, attics, and garages, to reduce the risk of bites.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Are spiders attracted to pregnant women?

    There is no research or speculation that states about spiders getting attracted to pregnant women.

    2. Can a spider bite cause a miscarriage?

    Spiders have a substance called venom or poison that may cause venomous bites (toxic) and may increase the risk of pregnancy loss though uncommon (10).

    3. How long will my spider bite last?

    Spider bites usually heal within seven days. Pain from non-venomous spider bites commonly lasts for five to 60 minutes (11). However, brown recluses and hobo spider bites can take weeks or much longer to heal. Poisonous spider bites are not common but can lead to blisters and swelling (12).

    Most spider bites are benign, but some could lead to severe illnesses. Thus, if you get a spider bite when pregnant, seek prompt medical treatment. Early medical assistance can provide you with symptomatic relief and prevent complications. Applying cold packs and using pressure immobilization bandages are some ways you can treat benign spider bites at home. However, speak to the doctor before using OTC analgesics to relieve pain. Further, prevent spider bites by installing screens on your windows and doors and vacuuming any spider webs around the house.

    Infographic: How To Protect A Pregnant Woman From Spider Bites?

    While not all spiders are dangerous, some have venom and can be a concern for pregnant women if bitten. However, with simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your baby from the harmful effect of spider bites. The infographic below includes some effective ways to prevent spider bites during pregnancy. Take a look!

    effective ways to prevent spider bites during pregnancy (infographic)

    Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

    Illustration: Spider Bite During Pregnancy: Causes Safety And Treatment

    Spider Bite When Pregnant_illustration

    Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

    References

    MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

    1. Insect bites and stings; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health (2017)
    2. When Poisonous Spiders Bite; University of Rochester Medical Center
    3. Venomous Spiders at Work; CDC
    4. Spider Bites; Cleveland Clinic
    5. Spider Bites; American Red Cross
    6. When Poisonous Spiders Bite; John Hopkins
    7. Spider bites; MayoClinic
    8. Spider Bites; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health
    9. Management of Snake Bite Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
    10. Don’t Let the Bugs Bite! — Tips for Bug Bite Prevention & Treatment During Pregnancy; Lamaze International
    11. Spider Bites: Symptoms, Signs & Spider Bite Treatment; Pestworld.org
    12. Spider Bites Highly Unlikely to Cause Bacterial Infections, Study Finds; Entomologytoday.org

    Community Experiences

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    Dr. Mamta Sahu
    Dr. Mamta SahuDGO
    Dr. Mamta Sahu works as a consultant at various hospitals in Delhi and also manages her private practice in Noida. With over 18 years of experience in gynecology and obstetrics, she specializes in high risk pregnancies, adolescent health, fertility treatments, and menopausal problems.

    Read full bio of Dr. Mamta Sahu
    Rebecca Malachi
    Rebecca MalachiBSc
    Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

    Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
    Swati Patwal
    Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
    Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

    Read full bio of Swati Patwal
    Reshmi Das
    Reshmi DasMSc
    Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

    Read full bio of Reshmi Das
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