Animal Bites During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?

Pregnancy comes with plenty of surprises but getting bitten by a nonvenomous animal like a dog, cat, or squirrel is not on the top of the list.

The good news is that most animal bites can be managed safely during pregnancy. Knowing what to be concerned about can help protect both you and your developing baby.

When Are Animal Bites a Concern in Pregnancy?

Most concerns after an animal bite are related to the possibility of an infection.

Animals have bacteria in their mouths, and even a small bite can sometimes lead to an infection. Signs to watch for include:

  • Increasing redness around the bite
  • Swelling
  • Warmth around the wound
  • Pus or drainage
  • Fever
  • Worsening pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Some bites, especially cat bites, have a higher chance of becoming infected because cats’ teeth can push bacteria deep under the skin.

If your healthcare provider believes there is a significant infection risk, they may recommend antibiotics. MotherToBaby has a podcast on antibiotics if you would like to know more:  Antibiotics – MotherToBaby

What About Rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves). In the United States, rabies is uncommon in people, however, it can be transmitted through bites from animals who have rabies. A healthcare provider may consider rabies prevention treatment if you are bitten by a:

  • bat
  • raccoon
  • skunk
  • fox
  • stray animal
  • or any animal acting unusually interested in biting humans or appearing sick

One question MotherToBaby specialists sometimes hear is: “Can I still get rabies shots while pregnant?”

Rabies shots have been studied for use in pregnancy and have not been known to increase risks for birth defects or cause other negative pregnancy problems.  The deadly outcomes of untreated rabies can be avoided with appropriate treatment. Your healthcare team can help determine whether treatment is needed based on the type of animal and circumstances of the bite. If you are ever concerned about rabies exposure, always reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

Do Not Forget About Tetanus

Animal bites could also introduce bacteria that cause tetanus through an open wound. Tetanus is a serious illness that causes severe muscle tightness and spasms with no cure. In the United States, obtaining the Tdap or DTaP vaccines on schedule can help prevent tetanus.

If it has been a while since your last tetanus-containing vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend a booster. Many pregnant women already receive a Tdap vaccine during pregnancy to help protect their newborn from pertussis (whooping cough), but timing and wound management recommendations can vary. Your healthcare provider can help determine what is appropriate for your situation.

What About My Pregnancy?

The primary concerns with animal bites in pregnancy are those that break the skin and could lead to an infection, or those causing harm to the abdomen. If a bite is not on the abdomen, and does not break the skin, the risks to a pregnancy are low.

Prompt wound care and medical evaluation can go a long way toward reducing risks. However, if you experience severe injury, significant blood loss, fever, or other concerning symptoms after a bite, seek medical attention immediately.

How Can I Prevent Animal Bites?

A few simple precautions can help:

  • Avoid approaching unfamiliar animals.
  • Never try to handle wild animals.
  • Teach children to respect animals’ space.
  • Keep pets up to date on veterinary care and vaccinations.
  • Be cautious around animals that are eating, sleeping, or caring for their young.

The Bottom Line

Most animal bites during pregnancy are more scary than dangerous. Cleaning the wound, contacting a healthcare provider, and getting prompt medical advice can help prevent complications.

If you have questions about animals, or other exposures during pregnancy or breastfeeding, MotherToBaby specialists are available to provide evidence-based information you can trust.

Sophia Bradley, MS, CGC

Genetic Counselor

Sophia Bradley is a genetic counselor and teratogen information specialist based in Houston, TX. She received her Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling from Wayne State University in 2024.

    References:

    Animal Bites During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?

    You are pregnant. You ask, “Can I take my medication?” If you ever heard, “it depends…”, you are not alone. Things affect people differently.

    So, what is going on?

    This has to do with genetics. Genetics is the study of genes. Genes are a part of our DNA. Genes tell your cells what to do. Genes tell us how to process the world around us.

    What Do We Mean by “Exposures”?

    Anything that comes into contact with your body is an exposure. Food, drinks, and drugs are exposures. Getting sick is an exposure. Stress is an exposure too.

    Exposure questions can feel like a lot!

    Why Can the Same Exposure Affect People Differently?

    People can have the exact same exposure. Their bodies might handle it differently. That is because of metabolization. Metabolization is how fast our bodies break down an exposure. This affects how long an exposure stays in your body.

    Genes affect how your body breaks down something. Genes shape how the body responds to an exposure.

    What Are Some Examples?

    1. Caffeine and Pregnancy

    Let us say that you got coffee with a friend at 3:00 pm. You might fall asleep easily that night. Your friend might feel jittery after half a cup. You and your friend have different responses to the same amount of caffeine. That difference comes from your genetics. Your genes might metabolize caffeine faster. This is why you fell asleep easily. Your friend might metabolize caffeine more slowly. This is why your friend felt jittery.

    Genes affect how fast caffeine is broken down. This is why caffeine during pregnancy rules are careful. It is suggested that you get 200 mg of caffeine (or less) per day during pregnancy. The rules are there to protect those that process caffeine more slowly.

    The end message? There are rules about pregnancy. These rules are broad. Your experience might be different than what the rules say. For more information on caffeine, click here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/caffeine-pregnancy/

    1.  General Anesthesia and Breastfeeding

    Let us say that your dentist tells you to get your wisdom teeth removed. This is a surgery. For this, you will get general anesthesia. General anesthesia is a mix of medication. This is given so that you can fall asleep for a procedure.

    General anesthesia is broken down fast. Your friend got her wisdom teeth removed last year. She woke up 2 minutes after her surgery was done. You woke up 5 minutes after your surgery was done.  

    It takes some time for you to feel normal after general anesthesia. You might feel a little loopy right after general anesthesia. Your friend felt normal about 1 hour after her surgery. You felt normal about 3 hours after your surgery. You and your friend react differently to general anesthesia.

    Genes affect how fast something is broken down by the body. This is why the rules for getting general anesthesia while breastfeeding are careful. It is suggested to wait to breastfeed if you still feel loopy. This means waiting to breastfeed until you feel “back to normal.”

    The end message? Everyone needs a different amount of time to break down general anesthesia. The best time to breastfeed is different for everyone. For more information on general anesthesia, click here: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/general-anesthesia-pregnancy/

    What Does This Mean for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Advice?

    People are different. People have different genes. This means that people break down exposures in a different way.

    Most recommendations try to:

    • Lower the chance of any possible problems;
    • Help people who might break things down more slowly;
    • Balance safety with needs.

    Final Thoughts

    What happens to your body during pregnancy and breastfeeding can feel so hard. It can feel harder when your body reacts differently than what is expected. If you compare yourself to others, you should know you did nothing wrong. You did not need to know better. You did not fail.

    You might feel overwhelmed or worried about an exposure. You might feel frustrated if you get advice that clashes. Talking to MotherToBaby can help you get information without judgment.

    Meghan Werner

    Blog Co-Author

    Meghan Werner is a Master of Medical Sciences in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling candidate at Emory University. Originally from Boston, MA, Meghan has previous research experience at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she has authored multiple papers regarding genetic testing in the NICU.

      Animal Bites During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?

      At MotherToBaby we receive all kinds of questions about exposures during pregnancy. Most often, we teratogen information specialists get similar questions no matter what state or part of the country we work in. Commonly asked questions cover topics like medications, supplements, and alcohol. We also get questions about less common exposures too, such as someone taking their pet’s medication or a chemical spill in the workplace. Working in Arizona, we sometimes get questions that specialists in other parts of the country do not get- such as what happens if a woman is bitten by a rattlesnake during pregnancy.

      Get Medical Care Right Away

      Anyone who is bitten by a rattlesnake should seek medical care immediately—even if they do not notice symptoms at first. This is especially important during pregnancy.

      Symptoms can include:

      • Pain and swelling at the bite site
      • Nausea
      • Swelling of the mouth or throat
      • Trouble breathing
      • Bleeding or blood clotting problems

      People should not try to treat a snake bite themselves. Quick and appropriate medical care can lower the risk of serious complications.

      Complications

      Blood clots are one serious complication that is possible from a rattlesnake bite. Although anyone can develop a blood clot, pregnancy increases the risk by about five times.  Clots can reduce blood flow to the fetus or travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening. Complications related to blood clots include miscarriage, stillbirth, reduced fetal growth, thrombosis (clots blocking veins or arteries), placental insufficiency (reduced oxygen and nutrients reaching the fetus), changes in blood pressure, preterm delivery (before week 37), heart attack, stroke, and death.

      It is important to remember that birth defects and miscarriage can happen in any pregnancy for many reasons. About 3 out of 100 babies (3%) are born with a birth defect each year, and miscarriage is common. Information on snake bites during pregnancy is limited. Case reports describe hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain), intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the skull), reduced fetal movement, placental abruption, miscarriage, stillbirth, and maternal death. While case reports cannot prove that venom caused these outcomes, they show that snake bites can be serious and require prompt treatment. Outcomes may depend on the amount of venom, the stage of pregnancy, how quickly treatment begins, and the type and quality of care received.

      Treatment During Pregnancy

      Treatment for rattlesnake bites may include:

      • Antivenom (medicine made of antibodies that helps neutralize venom)
      • Blood tests to monitor clotting
      • Monitoring fetal movement and/or fetal heart rate

      There are reports of healthy babies being born after treatment with antivenom. Although information is limited, experts believe that treating a rattlesnake bite with antivenom is safer than leaving the bite untreated during pregnancy. In the small number of babies followed after exposure to antivenom during pregnancy, no long-term health problems have been reported.

      Final Thoughts

      A rattlesnake bite during pregnancy is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment and careful monitoring are likely to be recommended to protect both the mother and fetus. While there are still gaps in what we know, prompt medical care offers the best chance for a healthy outcome.

      More information on rattlesnake bites can be found at the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center website here.

      Originally published 12/20/22. Updated 2/17/26.

      Animal Bites During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?

      By Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay, MPH, President of OTIS/MotherToBaby, in partnership with Joanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO and founder of National Diaper Bank Network.

      MotherToBaby is proud to partner with the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) as the organization marks its 15th anniversary in 2026 – celebrating a decade and a half of supporting families across the country by ensuring access to diapers and other essential material needs. Through our partnership, we’ve learned that many parents and caregivers, especially those who are pregnant or caring for newborns, often ask the same kinds of questions about everyday exposures during pregnancy and lactation.

      These concerns come straight from the field, as NDBN staff and volunteers working directly with families hear questions like these every day. To help answer them, MotherToBaby experts weigh in on some of the families’ most common questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding exposures.

      First, it’s important to remember that birth defects can happen in any pregnancy for different reasons. Out of all babies born each year, about 3 out of 100 (3%) will have a birth defect. Pregnancy problems (like miscarriage) can also happen in any pregnancy. MotherToBaby looks at research studies to understand if a certain exposure could increase the chance of birth defects or other problems in a pregnancy.

      Here are five of the exposures that NBDN families ask about most frequently:

      1. Caffeine

      During pregnancy, it’s recommended to keep your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day from all sources, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate. (For reference, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee can contain 70 to 140 mg of caffeine, depending on the type of coffee and how it is brewed.) During breastfeeding, it’s been suggested to stay under 300 mg per day, although that amount might be too high when the baby is very young (it takes young babies much longer than adults to process, or metabolize, caffeine). Even some older babies can be more sensitive to caffeine than others are. If you notice that your baby seems jittery, irritable, or wide awake in the middle of the night after you drink caffeine, you could consider cutting back.

      Let’s talk more about energy drinks. Most energy drinks contain not only caffeine, sugar, and B vitamins, but also herbal ingredients that most likely haven’t been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding. This means there is no information about how much of these ingredients might reach the developing baby during pregnancy or get into the breast milk. For this reason, it might be preferred to hold off on energy drinks until you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding any longer.

      2. Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

      Two of the most common over-the-counter pain medications are acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (such as Advil®). These pain relievers are also found in multi-symptom products, such as cold medications. During pregnancy, using acetaminophen for a short time when directed by a healthcare provider to treat pain or fever has not been shown to increase pregnancy risks. Acetaminophen should be used as directed and only for as long as you need it to treat your condition. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is typically not recommended in pregnancy, especially in the second half of pregnancy, unless your healthcare provider has specifically advised using it.

      During breastfeeding though, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can both be used as directed without expected side effects for the baby. The amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen that gets into the breast milk is much less than the dose that could be given directly to an infant. 

      3. Fish and Mercury

      You might have heard a rumor that eating fish is not a good idea during pregnancy. But this is not the case. While it’s true that most fish could contain some amount of mercury (or more specifically, a form of mercury called methylmercury), these amounts are often too small to increase pregnancy risks as long as you make thoughtful choices about eating fish.

      The amount of methylmercury in fish gets higher as fish move up the food chain. Big predatory fish that eat smaller fish usually have higher levels of methylmercury. These big fish include swordfish, marlin, bigeye tuna, and king mackerel, among others. These fish should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

      Other kinds of fish can be enjoyed in moderation (1 to 3 servings per week, depending on the kind of fish and where it is caught). The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a helpful guide that lists many kinds of fish and gives advice on how often they can be eaten by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and by children ages 1-11 years: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish.

      4. Cleaning Products

      Is it better to use natural cleaning products like vinegar during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? What about when you have a young child in the home?

      The way you use a cleaning product is usually more important than what the product is. Although using vinegar as a cleaner isn’t expected to increase risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, there could be some surfaces or situations that require more effective products for sanitizing and disinfecting. In order for a chemical to be able to reach a developing baby during pregnancy or to get into the breast milk, the chemical first has to be circulating in your bloodstream. As long as a product is used in a well-ventilated area (open doors or windows, turn on fans) and your skin is protected from direct contact with the cleaner, then using the cleaner as directed is unlikely to result in an exposure that would get into your bloodstream. If you start to feel any symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, or headache, increase ventilation in the area and get some fresh air. If you do use vinegar to clean, be sure not to mix it with ammonia or other chemicals, as that can create harmful fumes. With any cleaning product, follow the directions on the label for how to use and store it.

      As far as what kinds of cleaners are preferred when you have young children in the home, that is a great question to talk about with your child’s healthcare provider. 

      5. Animal Dander/Feces

      Common household pets like dogs, cats, and rodents tend to be furry. Although pet dander itself is not known to be harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, dander could increase the chance of breathing problems if you have significant allergies or asthma. If you are experiencing worsening symptoms of allergies or asthma during your pregnancy, be sure to talk about it with your healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after handling any kind of rodent, even sweet, furry, household pets.

      What about animal feces? It’s best to avoid direct contact with any animal feces during pregnancy. This means you get a free pass on cleaning the gerbil cage or scooping the litterbox, if possible. Cat feces, in particular, can contain a parasite responsible for an infection called toxoplasmosis, especially if the cat is allowed outside or is fed raw meat. A toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy increases the chance of pregnancy complications, and could even pass to the fetus. There’s no need to rehome your cat or avoid petting it, but you should avoid direct contact with the cat’s feces while you are pregnant.     

      Closing Thoughts

      Through our partnership with NDBN, MotherToBaby is committed to answering the real questions families are asking—accurately, clearly, and compassionately. We know that parents want the best for their babies, and they deserve trusted, evidence-based information to make informed choices.

      If you or someone you know has questions about exposures while pregnant or breastfeeding, you can contact a MotherToBaby specialist for free and confidential information via phone, text, or chat at MotherToBaby.org.

      Together with NDBN, we’ll continue listening, learning, and supporting families when it matters most.

      More About the National Diaper Bank Network

      The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) leads a nationwide movement dedicated to helping individuals, children and families access the basic necessities they require to thrive and reach their full potential…including clean, dry diapers, period supplies and other basic needs. Launched in 2011 with the support of founding sponsor Huggies®, NDBN is dedicated to creating awareness of diaper need/diaper insecurity and advocating for public policy to end it. The Network is made up of more than 300 basic needs banks serving local communities throughout the U.S. More information on NDBN and diaper need is available at nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org, and on Twitter (@DiaperNetwork), Instagram (@DiaperNetwork) and Facebook (facebook.com/NationalDiaperBankNetwork).

      Animal Bites During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?

      For breastfeeding people living in rural areas, it is often difficult to find appropriate breastfeeding and lactation resources as they can be few and far between. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants in rural areas are less likely to ever breastfeed than infants living in urban areas.

      Emma, a new mother to a baby boy, lives in a rural area where the nearest town with a healthcare facility is over an hour away. Even by phone, it was difficult to reach her provider’s office. She was determined to provide the best for her son, including breastfeeding; however, she was concerned about managing her post-partum anxiety and depression. She wasn’t sure where to find out if her medications were something she could take while breastfeeding – which made her more anxious! Emma faced some common challenges living in a rural area:

      • Travel Barriers – Emma struggled with general breastfeeding and medications concerns, all while managing the demands of a newborn; traveling long distances for an appointment was not only exhausting, but also not ideal.

      • Limited Local Support – Emma’s town had no specialized breastfeeding support services. The nearest support group was a two-hour drive away, making it difficult for Emma to access help when she needed it most.

      • Limited Resources – Finding reliable information about breastfeeding was another challenge. Emma felt isolated and unsure where to turn for accurate information.

      One day, while searching for answers online and discovering mixed information about the medications she wanted to start, Emma discovered MotherToBaby. Intrigued by our expert support that was available remotely and promptly, she explored our fact sheets, blogs, and podcasts that cover a range of breastfeeding topics. After reviewing our website, she was delighted to see our live chat service!

      During our conversation, we addressed Emma’s concerns about breastfeeding while on her medications to treat her post-partum anxiety and depression. We were also able to discuss the recommendations for vaccines while breastfeeding (like the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. We also answered her questions about cold medications, referring her to our specialized blog. She was very relieved to connect with someone so quickly and receive accurate information on the spot.

      The flexibility of MotherToBaby’s online services was also a game-changer for Emma. She was now able to access information at times that suited her schedule, as she also could use our text, email, or phone service. This was particularly important for Emma, since her days were unpredictable and often included late-night feedings and other unexpected moments!

      MotherToBaby referred Emma to online lactation resources and support groups. Engaging with other breastfeeding parents and experts on an online platform can provide her with emotional support and encouragement. Sharing experiences and hearing from others who faced similar challenges can also help Emma feel less alone and more empowered in her breastfeeding journey. Engaging with the online community and support can provide Emma with a sense of connection and support that was missing in her rural area, which can help her more easily navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding.

      Mental health support was also very important to Emma because she lacked this in her daily life. Resources like Post-Partum Support International (PSI) and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline are now tools Emma has to support her along the way.

      With evidence-based information about her medications and referrals to the appropriate resources, Emma felt much more reassured about treating her anxiety and depression while breastfeeding. She felt more knowledgeable and prepared to continue taking care of herself and her newborn. The convenience of online support and education alleviated much of the stress she had been feeling. She could now focus more on bonding with her baby, knowing she can turn to MotherToBaby should she have more questions or concerns about medications or exposures while breastfeeding.

      References:

      https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/maternal-health/2/breastfeeding

      https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html

      Animal Bites During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?
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