What exactly is amniotic fluid embolism?

  Amniotic fluid embolism is an obstetric complication caused by the entry of amniotic fluid and the tangible substances within it into the maternal circulation. Although the incidence is not very high, the mortality rate remains high, surprisingly reaching more than 30%! Therefore, pregnant mothers should pay more attention to this aspect.  First of all, let’s understand what amniotic fluid embolism is. Amniotic fluid embolism is a dangerous obstetric complication caused by the amniotic fluid and its tangible substances entering the maternal circulation, which is clinically rare but has a high mortality rate. The etiology is mostly due to excessive or tonic uterine contractions, high intrauterine pressure, and the entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation from the lacerated endocervical vein shortly after rupture or fetal membranes. The incidence of amniotic fluid embolism is low, but the death rate is high, and the statistics can reach more than 30%.  Second, the causes of amniotic fluid embolism What are the causes of amniotic fluid embolism? Generally speaking, there are the following reasons: it is common to have strong contraction or improper application of contraction hormone (oxytocin); there is a history of premature rupture of fetal membranes or artificial rupture of membranes; early placental abruption, rupture of placenta praevia or surgical delivery is prone to amniotic fluid embolism; stillbirth is not handled well, which can increase the incidence of amniotic fluid embolism, the condition of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation is that the fetal membranes have been broken, there is a strong uterine contraction, the vascular opening into the pathway for the cervix Endometrial veins and lower uterine veins, placental marginal venous sinus, injury to the uterine blood sinus such as uterine rupture cervical laceration.  Advanced maternal age is the most likely to get amniotic fluid embolism. Advanced maternal age and multiple pregnancies are also high risk factors for amniotic fluid embolism. The main reasons for the occurrence of amniotic fluid embolism are often comprehensive and may include abnormal fetal position, premature rupture of membranes, placenta abruptio and high dose of contractions used in case of weak contractions, due to increase the chance of amniotic fluid embolism. Therefore, it is important to closely observe the delivery of elderly women and multiparous women, and take measures to terminate the pregnancy or perform cesarean section as soon as any abnormalities appear.  The amniotic fluid embolism how to prevent amniotic fluid embolism although the chance of occurrence is not high, but once the disease, the mortality rate is very high, so pregnant mothers absolutely can not be taken lightly, pregnant mothers quickly to learn how to prevent amniotic fluid embolism.  1, advanced maternal age to pay attention to the maternal age of 30 years or more, premature or premature birth and menstruating mothers, especially the premature rupture of the fetal membranes, uterine body or cervical dysplasia pregnant mothers are prone to amniotic fluid embolism, because to actively cooperate with the correct treatment done by the doctor.  2.Rational use of oxytocin Correctly and rationally use oxytocin, master the indications of oxytocin use, strictly control the dose, intravenous drip should start from 2.5mU/min, observe for 15min and then adjust the dose according to the strength of contractions, usually not more than 10mU/min, and have special care, if the contraction lasts for more than 1min or there is a change in fetal heart, the drip should be stopped immediately.  3. Pay attention to the process of labor. Cooperate with the doctor to do cesarean section if necessary and end the labor as soon as possible to avoid the dangerous situation of uterine rupture. Strictly grasp the indications for cesarean section and aspirate the amniotic fluid before delivering the fetus after the uterus is cut open to prevent the amniotic fluid from entering the open blood sinus through the incision. Prevent inappropriate operation of the uterine cavity and damage to the uterine birth canal, and avoid dilating the cervix and breaking the membranes artificially. Avoid strong pressure on the abdomen and uterus during delivery of the fetus to prevent the amniotic fluid from being pressed into the maternal blood circulation.  4. Choose a trustworthy hospital With the advancement of medical care, the care for both mother and baby has improved greatly and serious complications related to obstetrics are extremely rare. Therefore, parents-to-be should not worry or panic too much, but choose a trusted obstetrician and gynecologist and a well-equipped maternity hospital when they are pregnant, and welcome a new life with a happy attitude.