Amniotic fluid embolism occurs when amniotic fluid and its components—such as meconium, mucin, lanugo hair, squamous epithelium, and vernix—enter the maternal bloodstream through damaged cervical arteries, blood sinuses at the placental attachment site, or uterine lacerations. These substances form emboli in vital organs like the lungs and heart, causing severe symptoms including respiratory distress, chills, cyanosis,chest pain, shock, hemorrhage, and other severe symptoms.
These fetal-derived components can trigger anaphylactic shock in the mother. Furthermore, amniotic fluid contains high levels of plasmin, an enzyme that, once in the maternal bloodstream, can induce disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). These are the lethal consequences of amniotic fluid entering the maternal circulation.
Amniotic fluid embolism develops abruptly, is highly dangerous, and carries a significant mortality rate. Although mortality has decreased with improved medical care, 50%-60% of patients still die. Therefore, how to strengthen prevention has become a matter of high concern for medical personnel, pregnant women, and their families.
Amniotic fluid embolism is more likely to occur in cases of precipitous labor, placenta previa, placental abruption, uterine rupture, and cesarean section. The aforementioned patient, Chen Yan, had two previous pregnancies that ended in miscarriage. During this pregnancy, she never underwent prenatal checkups. After experiencing abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, she sought delivery assistance from a private practitioner.
As the mother's condition deteriorated rapidly—with increasing vaginal bleeding and progressively weaker fetal heart tones—the private practitioner panicked and urgently transferred her to a formal hospital. Upon arrival, the mother's blood pressure was zero, her pulse faint, and her breathing slow and shallow. Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, she succumbed within an hour, passing away with her unborn child.
To effectively prevent amniotic fluid embolism, regular prenatal checkups are essential—a critical component of maternal healthcare. Women with conditions such as placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes, or placental abruption must deliver in a hospital setting. There, medical professionals can closely monitor changes in both mother and fetus, promptly implement necessary interventions, and gain valuable time for emergency response should complications arise.
Healthcare authorities should also enhance professional training to improve awareness and emergency response capabilities for amniotic fluid embolism across all medical institutions. Concurrently, expectant mothers and their families should collectively learn essential healthcare knowledge, approach childbirth with proper understanding, and avoid excessive emotional stress.