Severe Allergic Reaction to Snails Leads to Emergency C-Section in Vietnam

A 25-year-old pregnant woman in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, underwent an emergency cesarean section after experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction believed to be triggered by consuming snails. The incident, which occurred on March 7th, highlights the potential dangers of food allergies during pregnancy and the importance of prompt medical attention.

Anaphylactic Shock and Fetal Distress

According to a report from Thu Duc General Hospital, the patient, identified as PTTM, was 39 weeks pregnant when she began experiencing symptoms including difficulty breathing, itching, and hives after eating snails. Upon arrival at the emergency room, her vital signs were critical: a pulse of 128 beats per minute, blood pressure of 72/35 mmHg, and a respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute. Doctors diagnosed her with grade 3 anaphylactic shock.

Simultaneous monitoring of the fetus revealed a heart rate of only 90-100 beats per minute, significantly lower than the normal range of 110-160 beats per minute. This indicated acute fetal distress, prompting the medical team to prioritize an immediate cesarean section to save both mother and child.

Successful Emergency Delivery

The emergency C-section was completed within approximately 30 minutes, resulting in the birth of a baby girl weighing 3,200 grams. The newborn received an Apgar score of 8 (with a score of 9 being optimal), and was reported to be crying vigorously immediately after birth. Both mother and baby are currently in stable condition and receiving ongoing care at Thu Duc General Hospital.

Warning to Pregnant Women

Thu Duc General Hospital used this case as an opportunity to urge pregnant women to exercise caution when consuming foods that may cause allergies, particularly seafood. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, dizziness, or low blood pressure after potential allergen exposure should seek immediate medical attention.

Recent Food Poisoning and Allergic Reaction Cases in Vietnam

This incident is one of several recent cases of foodborne illness and allergic reactions reported in Ho Chi Minh City. In November 2025, 60 factory workers were hospitalized with suspected food poisoning after eating lunch at their workplace, with some experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis. 19 high school students were admitted to Thu Duc Regional General Hospital with anaphylactic symptoms after their school lunch, potentially due to an allergic reaction to fish. Earlier in November, a widespread outbreak linked to ‘banh mi’ resulted in 316 hospitalizations due to salmonella contamination.

These events underscore the importance of food safety practices and awareness of potential allergens within the Vietnamese food supply.