Article
Upgrade

An in-Depth Look at Amniotic Fluid Embolism

CPDTime.
4m of CPD
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, potentially fatal, acute and unexpected birth complication that can affect both the mother and fetus. AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulatory system and causes an allergic-like reaction. The typical presentation is during labour.

What's included in this resource?

  • CPDTime.
    4m of CPD
  • Article

What is this article about?

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, potentially fatal, acute and unexpected birth complication that can affect both the mother and fetus. AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulatory system and causes an allergic-like reaction. Defined as a two-phase response, AFE is characterised initially by rapid respiratory failure that can then progress to cardiac arrest. The second phase is the haemorrhagic phase where the mother begins to bleed profusely at the wound site, which is usually at the site of placental attachment, or caesarean incision. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) (also known as consumptive coagulopathy) then develops, which prevents blood clotting and requires urgent transfusions of blood and blood products.

Contents

Document and reflect on your learning

  • CPDTime.
    4m of CPD

Meet the educator

educator profile image
Anne Watkins
Anne is a freelance lecturer and medical writer at Mind Body Ink. She is a former midwife and nurse teacher with over 25 years’ experience working in the fields of healthcare, stress management and medical hypnosis. Her background includes working as a hospital midwife, Critical Care nurse, lecturer in Neonatal Intensive Care, and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for a company making life support equipment. Anne has also studied many forms of complementary medicine and has extensive experience in the field of clinical hypnosis. She has a special interest in integrating complementary medicine into conventional healthcare settings and is currently an Associate Tutor, lecturing in Health Coaching and Medical Hypnosis at Exeter University in the UK. As a former Midwife, Anne has a natural passion for writing about fertility, pregnancy, birthing and baby care. Her recent publications include The Health Factor, Coach Yourself To Better Health and Positive Thinking For Kids. You can read more about her work at www.MindBodyInk.com.
View Profile

What do others think?

374 reviews by Ausmed Learners
Sort by
Highest Rated
Lowest Rated
Most Recent
JM
Jennifer Mather
30 Mar 2021
a great update
MH
Michelle Harvey
09 Mar 2021
Great, very interesting
SH
Sharron Holme
22 Apr 2021
An interesting article on AFE, I am aware of the condition but I new little about it.
Portrait of Joanne Williams
Joanne Williams
17 May 2021
The course reinforced existing knowledge and I was able to also gain new knowledge about Amniotic Fluid Embolism. I found the course to be interesting as well as valuable and aligns with my profession
Portrait of Klair Bayley
Klair Bayley
29 Jan 2022
Good overview
CR
Clare Ringin
18 Apr 2021
Clear, concise and interesting. Contained valuable information that can be used when observing the obstetric patient and instigating first measures.
ER
Emma Ryan
15 Mar 2021
Excellent review
LW
LINDA WALDEN
11 Mar 2021
It provides a concise recall of the emergency event and outlines the necessary issues.
Portrait of Tima Solotwa
Tima Solotwa
11 Mar 2021
An in depth & important article to be aware of.
Portrait of susan margaret miller
susan miller
08 Mar 2021
scary but very real possibility for any of our patients and just hope never to be during my shift or outback where limited resus is available at times
4.6 / 5
1 star
0%
2 star
1%
3 star
6%
4 star
27%
5 star
66%

Here's some further inspiration

Practice Areas

Looking for something else?

Discover more learning

Ausmed makes it a breeze to stay on top of my CPD. They're always adding and updating their content too, so there's tonnes to learn.

- Catherine, Enrolled Nurse