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Amniotic Fluid Embolism: Causes and Treatment

by | May 15, 2023 | Blog, Pregnancy Complications

Pregnant women may have amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), an uncommon but potentially fatal condition that can happen just before, during, or right after labour and delivery. The majority of the time this happens during labour. It is believed that in this illness, a pregnant woman experiences an intense allergic response to amniotic fluid or other fetal substances that enter her system, such as fetal cells.

Life-threatening consequences can include breathing issues, cardiac arrest, and severe bleeding. Researchers and female gynecologists in Mumbai do not fully comprehend why some pregnant women experience this reaction to amniotic fluid or fetal cells entering the mother’s bloodstream. Amniotic fluid embolism is a medical emergency that can be lethal and occurs abruptly and quickly. Early detection and quick supportive care are vital.

The Causes

Amniotic fluid embolism’s precise etiology is unknown, although several risk factors could raise a woman’s likelihood of developing this issue during childbirth. Healthy women may experience AFE during labour, following atypical vaginal delivery, during the second trimester of pregnancy, or following a cesarean section. It might potentially happen up to 48 hours after birth. The root cause of amniotic fluid embolism is unclear, making it a foreseeable and unavoidable occurrence. Nevertheless, the following are some of the risk factors:

  • Mother’s advanced age
  • A pregnancy-related condition marked by elevated blood pressure.
  • Bearing several pregnancies, or multiparity
  • Premature membrane rupture
  • Tears in the uterus
  • Preterm labor
  • Severe labour contractions
  • Augmented labor
  • Cesarean section

Treatment

A rare yet life-threatening complication of childbirth called amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) necessitates rapid medical intervention. Supportive care is frequently used as a kind of treatment for AFE in order to control the mother’s symptoms and stop further issues. To save both the mother and the fetus, this problem needs to be treated as soon as possible.

According to gynecologist in Mumbai, the particular course of treatment will depend on the seriousness of the AFE and the mother’s general health, although it may include:

  • Baby to be delivered right away.
  • Numerous transfusions of blood, plasma, and platelets.
  • To halt the bleeding, undergo a hysterectomy.
  • Steroids or other drugs to lower your heart rate or blood pressure.
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Employing a tracheal tube or mechanical ventilation to deliver oxygen

These are some conditions when using a spinal cord stimulator can help.

Final Overview

In order to manage the mother’s symptoms and avoid future complications, the treatment for AFE frequently entails a combination of supportive care, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medicines.

Many women who suffer from AFE can recover and go on to have successful pregnancies and births with quick medical attention and the right therapy. It’s crucial to remember that AFE can be a condition that poses a threat to life, and that fast diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best outcome.

One of the best gynecologists in Mumbai is Dr. Neelima Mantri. She has dealt with thousands of difficult obstetric situations and has received significant training in high-risk obstetrics. To learn more about amniotic fluid embolism, head over to Dr. Neelima Mantri.

 

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Dr Neelima

MS & Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS Obstetrician, Gynecologist

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