Hello and welcome to the zero to finals podcast.

My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about amniotic fluid

embolism.

Then you can find written notes on this topic at zero to finals.com slash amniotic embolism

or in the labour and delivery section of the zero to finals, obstetrics and gynecology book.

So let's get straight into it.

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but severe condition affecting about two per 100,000 deliveries,

where the amniotic fluid passes into the mother's bloodstream.

This usually occurs around labour and delivery.

The amniotic fluid contains fetal tissue and cells of the fetus, causing an immune reaction in the mother.

This immune reaction to the cells of the fetus leads to a systemic illness.

It's more similar to anaphylaxis than to venous thromboembolism.

The mortality rate is very high at around 20% or above.

Let's go through the risk factors.

The main risk factors for amniotic fluid embolism

are increased maternal age,

induction of labour,

a caesarian section,

and multiple pregnancy,

meaning twins or triplets.

Let's talk about the presentation. Amniotic fluid

embolism usually presents around the time of labour and delivery, but it can present

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