- 70% during vaginal delivery
- 19% during cesarean section
- 11% immediately following vaginal delivery
- Rare cases have been reported after midtrimester termination, transabdominal ambiocentesis, and trauma.
Mechanism of disease is poorly understood. Classic presenting symptoms include respiratory distress, altered mental status, hypotension, and coagulopathy (DIC). There are no lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. Management is supportive. In cases in which a malgnant arrhythmia is present for greater than 4 minutes, perimortem cesarean delivery should be considered.
Source
Stafford, I. Sheffield, J. "Amniotic Fluid Embolism" Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2007.