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Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare and life-threatening condition that occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal cells enter the mother’s bloodstream, causing an allergic response. There are no clear causes or early signs, but women over 30 and those with allergies are at higher risk. Immediate medical attention is required, and long-term care may be necessary for survivors.
An amniotic fluid embolism is a very rare medical problem that can become life-threatening for a pregnant woman and her fetus. Complications occur when amniotic fluid or errant fetal cells escape the placenta and enter the mother’s bloodstream. Her immune system treats the foreign substance as a pathogen, releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause an allergic response. As a result, the mother may suffer lung failure, heart failure, and brain damage that can lead to death without emergency medical attention.
Doctors have not identified clear causes, risk factors, or early signs of amniotic fluid embolism. Because the condition is so rare, there haven’t been many major research projects dedicated to uncovering potential causes. It appears that women over the age of thirty are at a slightly higher risk, as are patients suffering from allergies. An amniotic fluid embolism usually develops shortly before, during, or after labor, although problems can be experienced as early as the second trimester of pregnancy.
The immune system’s response to an amniotic fluid embolism is similar to what happens when a person has a severe allergy attack. A woman goes into anaphylactic shock as histamines cause inflammation of the airways, heart and vital blood vessels. One of the first signs of an amniotic fluid embolism is the extreme, sudden shortness of breath that can precede a collapsed lung. As the heart becomes more involved, dangerously low blood pressure and heart failure become likely. Heavy internal bleeding, seizures, coma, and fetal distress may also occur.
Immediate medical attention is required whenever a patient shows symptoms of an amniotic fluid embolism. The main goal is to stabilize breathing and heart rate with oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, medications, and intravenous fluids. Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs may also be given. Labor is induced immediately via cesarean section to deliver the baby from the uterus and treat it based on symptoms. Most babies are able to recover, although only about 20 to 40 percent of mothers survive even with expert care.
Women who are able to survive the acute phase of an amniotic fluid embolism typically require long-term care and monitoring to combat various complications. Lung and heart problems can persist for several days or weeks, and any neurological damage sustained is often permanent. Survivors should attend regular health checkups to make sure no problems arise in the future.
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