Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Even the most severe AFE presentation can result in maternal and fetal survival when recognized early and treated aggressively. Amniotic fluid breaching the maternal-fetal barrier can cause acute cardiopulmonary collapse and severe bleeding. Amniotic fluid embolism is a life-threatening obstetric emergency caused by amniotic fluid entering the maternal bloodstream and embolizing into the pulmonary circulation. Without intervention, AFE-induced cardiopulmonary shutdown is rapidly fatal. AFE presents with seizure activity followed by cardiopulmonary arrest during active labor and delivery.