Amniotic Fluid Embolism C0013927
A rare, life-threatening condition where amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream during labor. Affects pregnant women during childbirth and requires emergency intensive care.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- N94.9
- ICD-11
- GA00.0
- Body system
- reproductive
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Generalized symptoms
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Sudden respiratory distress
Hypotension and shock
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Seizure or loss of consciousness
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Emergency hemodynamic support with ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides life-saving cardiac and respiratory support for amniotic fluid embolism patients experiencing severe cardiorespiratory collapse. This intervention maintains oxygenation and circulation while allowing the body to clear the offending emboli.
Standard interventional procedure protocol
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Massive transfusion protocol with blood products
Aggressive replacement of clotting factors and blood volume using packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate addresses the severe coagulopathy characteristic of amniotic fluid embolism.
Additional treatment options
Intensive care unit monitoring
Continuous hemodynamic, respiratory, and neurological monitoring in a critical care setting allows rapid identification and management of multi-organ dysfunction commonly seen in amniotic fluid embolism.
monitoringDefinitive uterine evacuation
Removal of the placenta and any retained products of conception reduces the ongoing source of amniotic fluid entry into maternal circulation and helps control postpartum hemorrhage.
procedureInotropic and vasopressor support
Pharmacological cardiovascular support with agents such as norepinephrine or dopamine maintains adequate perfusion pressure when cardiac function is compromised by amniotic fluid embolism.
medicationWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Amniotic Fluid Embolism C0013927?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Amniotic fluid embolism: diagnosis and management. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023.
Kaur R, Singh S, Gupta N. Maternal mortality from amniotic fluid embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2021.
Turrentine MA, Hankins GD. Amniotic fluid embolism: pathophysiology and management. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2020.
McDonnell NJ, Percival V, Paech MJ. Amniotic fluid embolism: a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Anaesthesia. 2019.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Amniotic Fluid Embolism C0013927. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy