Amniotic fluid embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism
Intravascular squames are present in this example of amniotic fluid embolism.
SpecialtyObstetrics 
Risk factorsAdvanced maternal age, history of pre-eclampsia, uterine rupture, fetal distress
Frequency1 in 20,000 births

An amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a life-threatening childbirth (obstetric) emergency in which amniotic fluid enters the blood stream of the mother, triggering a serious reaction which results in cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) collapse and massive bleeding (coagulopathy). The rate at which it occurs is 1 instance per 20,000 births and it comprises 10% of all maternal deaths.

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