What is Amniotic Fluid Embolism?
AFE is a complex medical condition that can be very difficult to understand, most especially if you have been personally affected or are currently facing an AFE crisis.
Below, is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to help you become more familiar with AFE.
Get The Support You Need
What best describes you?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an amniotic fluid embolism and how is it treated?
Most often an AFE involves two very serious and life-threatening complications; heart and lung failure (cardiorespiratory collapse) and severe bleeding (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy or DIC). Independently, each of these complications is extremely serious and life-threatening. Together, they are exceptionally challenging to treat and require immediate and aggressive medical care.
Heart and lung failure causes breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and can lead to cardiac arrest- when the heart stops beating. When the heart stops beating it is no longer able to send oxygenated blood to the body. Lack of oxygen to the body can cause organ failure and brain damage.
Treatment of heart and lung failure includes oxygenating the body by placing a breathing tube (intubation), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and medications to help manage blood pressure and help the heart beat regularly.
Bleeding is a normal process of birth. However, in women who experience an AFE, the blood’s normal balance (hemostasis) is interrupted by a complicated process causing sudden and excessive bleeding (hemorrhage). This can lead to a condition known as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). DIC causes the over-development of blood clots throughout the bloodstream. This increased clotting quickly depletes the body’s platelets and clotting factors that are needed to control bleeding. Excessive bleeding and clotting may lead to more serious complications including stroke, organ failure, and ultimately heart failure.
Treatment of hemorrhage and DIC include blood transfusions, surgical procedures, and medications to help control bleeding and replenish the body’s blood volume.
Advances in critical care medicine offer more complex interventions, although not all hospitals have access to these types of treatments.
What are the signs and symptoms of amniotic fluid embolism?
- Increased anxiety
- An impending sense of doom
- Fetal distress
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chills
- Skin discoloration
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal vital signs
These may lead to more serious complications including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Heart and lung failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Excessive and uncontrolled bleeding
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- Stroke
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Brain damage
- Death
What causes an amniotic fluid embolism?
The exact cause (etiology) of an amniotic fluid embolism is poorly understood.
Recent research suggests that it is most likely caused by an overreaction of a mother’s immune system to substances from the mother and/or baby (amniotic fluid, fetal cells, maternal/fetal antigens) that enter her bloodstream (circulation) during birth, medical procedures, or trauma. It is important to note that these substances often enter the mother’s circulation during birth, but most women do not suffer the same reaction.
Older theories suggested it was simply the entrance of amniotic fluid into a mother’s bloodstream that caused the reaction. However, research now shows many women are exposed to amniotic fluid in their bloodstream and do not have this same reaction. Another disproven theory was that the amniotic fluid and/or fetal cells obstructed or blocked airflow in the lungs.
Further research is needed to investigate the cause of AFE. Learn more about our research initiatives.
When can an amniotic fluid embolism occur?
An amniotic fluid embolism occurs during pregnancy, usually very near to delivery or up to an hour after delivery of the placenta.
It can occur during both vaginal and cesarean births.
It can occur during any pregnancy. It may occur in the first pregnancy or in subsequent pregnancies after successful previous births.
Although considered to be rare, amniotic fluid embolism can also occur during a D&E (a surgical procedure to fetus, placenta and other tissue), amniocentesis, or trauma (car accident, fall, etc.).
How often does an amniotic fluid embolism occur?
Amniotic fluid embolism is rare and a leading cause of maternal death globally.
The statistics around the incidence of amniotic fluid embolism vary because the diagnosis of this syndrome remains one of exclusion and lacks any specific laboratory test or confirmation imaging, thus meaning that a diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism is made after all other reasonable explanations have been ruled out.
Therefore, the incidence of amniotic fluid embolism may be both over-reported and underreported.
Recent publications based on administrative data (data that has not had cases individually reviewed for accuracy) suggests that the estimated incidence of amniotic fluid embolism is 2.5 for every 100,000 births or 1 in 40,000 in the United States and 1 in 53,800 of the approximately in Europe.
For perspective, there are approximately 4 million deliveries in the United States meaning approximately 100 women may suffer an amniotic fluid embolism. There are approximately 700,000 deliveries in the UK each year, meaning approximately 13 women may experience an amniotic fluid embolism.
How is an amniotic fluid embolism diagnosed?
Amniotic fluid embolism remains a diagnosis of exclusion; meaning all other possible clinical explanations for the symptoms have been ruled out. Unlike cancer or a broken bone, there is no blood test or imaging that can confirm the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism.
It may take several days, or in cases when the mother passes- months, for a diagnosis to be made. The health care team will review the case usually in a formal debrief and will look at the timing of symptoms and all laboratory tests and imaging to rule out any other possibilities.
In fatal cases, an autopsy is highly recommended and will aid the team in ruling out any other potential causes. It was once believed that an amniotic fluid embolism diagnosis could only be made through autopsy based solely on the presence of fetal material in the lungs or circulation, however, this is no longer a valid diagnostic criterion as many women will have the presence of fetal material in their circulation and not have experienced any of the symptoms of an amniotic fluid embolism.
What is the survival rate for women who experience an amniotic fluid embolism?
Survivability of an amniotic fluid embolism is dependent upon several factors and is therefore very difficult to provide an accurate rate. These factors include:
- Variability of each women’s immune response
- Delivery location (home, birth center, hospital)
- Type of hospital and level of services (critical care, NICU, OB on staff 24/7, blood bank, ECMO capabilities)
- Timing of the event (before or after delivery)
- Immediacy of recognition and aggressive treatment
- Pre-existing health issues or presence of other maternal health conditions (i.e. hypertension, placental abruption, accreta spectrum disorders, etc.)
Published rates from studies are inconsistent and differ depending on how and when the data were collected. Published rates of survivability range from 20-60%.
Although survivability has increased over the last 20 years with advances in critical care and obstetric medicine, it cannot be emphasized enough that an amniotic fluid embolism is extremely difficult to treat and considered one of the most fatal birth complications in the world.
Variations of survival are also dependent on the above listed factors. Some women may make a rapid recovery, while others may suffer a stroke, severe hypoxic brain injury, organ failure, or tragically they may pass within hours of the first symptom.
Does an amniotic fluid embolism affect the baby?
Infants who are delivered prior to any symptoms are most often healthy and unlikely to suffer any long term health challenges related to an amniotic fluid embolism.
Infants who are delivered after a mother begins to exhibit symptoms may be delivered emergently (emergency c-section, forceps, or vacuum) and may have reduced Apgar scores. They are at risk for decreased oxygenation and will require immediate and aggressive critical care interventions.
Infants will almost always be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which may be for treatment or observation.
The survivability of infants is largely dependent on their oxygenation levels at delivery and their response to medical interventions to minimize damage to the brain.
Infants should be monitored for 6-18 months to ensure they meet developmental milestones.
What are the long term effects for women who survive an amniotic fluid embolism?
Many amniotic fluid embolism survivors experience long-term or life-long complications that range in severity. Complications vary greatly depending on each individual’s response to the amniotic fluid embolism, health history, and genetic predisposition to other illnesses. This comprehensive list of complications is based on feedback from over 1,000 AFE survivors on their physical and mental health.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
- Mild to severe neurologic impairment
- Memory loss or delayed word recall
- Temporary or permanent heart damage
- Complete or partial hysterectomy
- Complications from stroke (decreased gross and fine motor skills, speech, hearing, vision, and gait)
- Sheehan’s syndrome
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Nerve pain
- Generalized pain
- Kidney dysfunction requiring dialysis or transplant
MENTAL HEALTH
Most AFE survivors (and those who are closest to them) are at a greater risk for lasting emotional and psychological effects after their traumatic pregnancy experience.
Feelings of confusion, guilt, isolation, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are extremely common. Seeking support and treatment for mental health is a very important aspect of the overall recovery process.
It is recommended that all survivors and their close family consult with their health care team to regularly address both their physical and mental health.
What are the risk factors for amniotic fluid embolism?
Risk factors for an amniotic fluid embolism are extremely difficult to determine. Occurrences of AFE are infrequent and unpredictable making it extremely difficult to study.
Some studies report that AFE may be associated with advanced maternal age, multiple gestation, assisted fertility, placental abnormalities, eclampsia, polyhydramnios, cervical lacerations, uterine rupture, cesarean section, and other operative assisted deliveries.
Currently, there are no known risk factors that would alter the course of standard obstetric practice.
Can I have another child after an amniotic fluid embolism?
Research on pregnancy following amniotic fluid embolism is very limited. The National Institutes of Health released a comprehensive review of amniotic fluid embolism in 2009 and at that time there were nine cases of successful subsequent pregnancies following AFE with no instances of recurrence.
In November of 2015, a publication from our patient registry reported 26 out of 80 amniotic fluid embolism survivors had subsequently conceived with no reported reoccurrence.
The experience of an amniotic fluid embolism is a traumatic experience for the mother, spouse/partner, existing children, extended family, friends, and even the healthcare team. Deciding whether to become pregnant again can be a very difficult decision.
We advise all women considering a subsequent pregnancy to seek a pre-pregnancy consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine doctor (often referred to as a perinatologist) who specializes in high-risk obstetrics. A perinatologist can review your medical history and provide you with an informed and personalized perspective.
Sometimes a doctor will advise against a future pregnancy because they are unfamiliar with amniotic fluid embolism or may have their own fear and trepidation in being your physician. Or, they may have strong evidence that a subsequent delivery puts you in a very high-risk category.
Even a well-meaning obstetrician or perinatologist may not have the experience to provide you with sufficient advice. We advise seeking consultation with at least a few obstetricians or maternal fetal medicine specialists to ensure you have the information you need to help make a decision and feel confident.
Ultimately, it is a very personal and individualized decision to make. Having the right healthcare team as well as support from your spouse/partner and extended family and friends will allow you to feel confident in your decision.
We also strongly recommend seeking professional counseling from a trained and licensed birth trauma professional to aid in the mental health surrounding this decision.
If you would like to connect with others who have gone on to have subsequent pregnancies, please join our support group for those interested or who have successfully had a subsequent pregnancy. It is important to note that this group is merely for support and should not be viewed as medical information or treatment advice.
There is currently no standard of care or protocol for subsequent deliveries of amniotic fluid embolism survivors. Each case is unique and should be treated as such.
What can I do to help prevent amniotic fluid embolism?
Although having been recognized since the 1920s amniotic fluid embolism remains poorly understood. Without a clear idea of what causes an amniotic fluid embolism and no ability to predict a woman’s susceptibility means there is no way to prevent it from occurring.
However, we know a woman’s greatest chance of survival is to deliver at a hospital with the ability to provide rapid and aggressive treatment. Increasing awareness among the medical community allows for more prompt recognition and treatment, leading to improved outcomes for mothers and infants.
Additionally, research is crucial to aid in our understanding of this enigmatic complication. Research is needed to identify causes, preventative measures, and effective treatments. The Foundation is working hard to advance research, promote education, and elevate awareness. To contribute to the AFE Foundation’s efforts, please consider making a donation or getting involved.
How can I honor a loved one affected by or lost to an amniotic fluid embolism?
Honor a loved one with a donation to the AFE Foundation. Donations can be made as a tribute or Memoriam gift.
Some individuals have organized fundraising events honoring their loved ones to support the efforts of the AFE Foundation. If you are interested in organizing this type of event please contact us and we would be happy to assist you in these efforts.
