This causes the body to produce an overwhelming allergic-like reaction to the foreign material.
An amniotic fluid embolism can cause potentially life-threatening breathing and heart issues, as well asuncontrolled bleeding.
It is an often fatal emergency that requires immediate medical care for both the pregnant person and the baby.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Amniotic fluid embolism can occur in both vaginal and cesarean (C-section) births.
It usually happens in labor, during C-section, or within a half-hour of delivery.
The inflammatory response leads to organ damage, particularly to the lungs and heart.
Experts are not sure why some people’s immune systems react so severely to amniotic fluid entering the bloodstream.
Amniotic fluid embolism must be diagnosed and treated quickly.
Complications
Amniotic fluid embolism can cause serious complications for a pregnant person and their baby.
A baby may have delayed development or limited brain function after experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism.
Research points to a few factors that might be linked to an increased risk of experiencing the condition.
Keep in mind that these risk factors are fairly common.
Having one or more does not mean you will experience amniotic fluid embolism.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your risk.
Coping
Experiencing a life-threatening condition during childbirth is frightening.
Survivors of amniotic fluid embolism experience lasting medical and emotional effects from the traumatic event.
Your doctor will want to continue monitoring you for any related medical complications throughout your recovery and beyond.
Part of your ongoing treatment should be mental health support, which is key to the recovery process.
For some people, recovery includesgrieving the lossof an infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is amniotic fluid embolism?
Amniotic fluid embolism is rare.
Estimates suggest that it happens in roughly 1 in 40,000 pregnancies.
What causes amniotic fluid embolism?
How do you treat amniotic fluid embolism?
What percentage of people live after getting an amniotic fluid embolism?
Quick treatment is essential for increasing the chances of survival.
A Word From Verywell
Amniotic fluid embolism happens unexpectedly and cannot be prevented.
Experts still do not know why some people develop it and others do not.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation.What is Amniotic Fluid Embolism?
Cleveland Clinic.Amniotic Fluid Embolism (Anaphylactic Syndrome of Pregnancy).
Connecticut State Department of Public Health.Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE).
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2009.04.052
Clark SL.Amniotic fluid embolism.Obstet Gynecol.
Kaur K, et al.Amniotic fluid embolism.Journal of Anaesth Clinical Pharmaco.2016 (2):153-159. doi:10.4103/0970-9185.173356
