Can amniotic fluid embolism be recognized and prevented early?

Amniotic fluid embolism is one of the serious obstetric complications, often occurring suddenly and without any warning signs. If the pregnant woman has severe amniotic fluid blockage and is not detected and treated in time, it can lead to life-threatening danger. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent amniotic fluid embolism to ensure the health of the mother and the fetus.
Amniotic fluid embolism is a condition in which amniotic fluid enters the blood vessels of the mother and causes a series of dangerous changes that can lead to death if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Although amniotic fluid embolism often occurs suddenly and without warning symptoms, however, some of the following signs can help in early recognition and diagnosis:
Sudden generalized cyanosis, shortness of breath, foaming at the mouth, convulsions. Then it turns to lethargy, coma, rapid and light pulse, difficult to catch. Dilated pupils, low and unmeasured blood pressure, cardiac arrest, apnea. The uterus is soft, the abdomen is tight, and the uterine contractions cannot be assessed. The bleeding cannot be stopped, the blood is red and thin, leading to blood loss. Fetal heart rate is about 50-60 beats/minute.

Immediately after the mother is diagnosed and monitored for amniotic fluid embolism, doctors will conduct intensive resuscitation for the patient, specifically:
Give the mother oxygen, give her heart massage. Hemostasis, fluid resuscitation and vasopressor infusion to maintain maternal blood pressure. Correction of coagulation disorders, acid-base balance, transfusion of blood products. Carrying out caesarean section and hysterectomy (partial or total according to the indications and condition of the mother), suturing the uterine arteries. An electric shock machine is available to shock pregnant women in a timely manner. In order to promptly handle potentially dangerous situations for pregnant women and their fetuses, the delivery room should be equipped with toolboxes to prevent the risk of obstetric complications, including: cardiac arrest box, postpartum hemorrhage box, caesarean section tool box so that the doctor can perform the operation immediately and do not need to transfer the patient to the operating room. In addition, the hospital must also have a blood bank for timely response, and the team of doctors must also have good clinical practice experience and be agile, so that the mortality of products can be reduced.

Pregnant women with amniotic fluid occlusion need to be detected early signs and treated promptly to limit the dangers that affect the life of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Some of the following factors are considered risk factors that can help prevent amniotic fluid embolism such as:
Older women Pregnant women with multiple births Women who go into labor too quickly or have difficulty in labor Large or stillbirth babies, Pregnant women with uterine rupture, rupture of membranes, amniocentesis Women with placenta previa, placenta previa, or placenta previa Pregnant women with high cervical laceration, lower uterine segment tear Women giving birth by cesarean section Risk factors should be carefully monitored during labor and postpartum to prevent dangerous complications of amniotic fluid embolism.
When there is an obstetric complication due to amniotic fluid embolism, it is necessary to immediately conduct emergency resuscitation to stop respiratory and circulatory arrest with proper technique and efficiency. It is necessary to recognize and prevent amniotic fluid embolism early for timely treatment. In a critical situation, to save a woman's life, a hysterectomy may be necessary.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormal problems during pregnancy Package pregnancy helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care