Complications

Amniotic fluid embolism can cause serious complications for you and your baby, including:

• Brain injury. Low blood oxygen can cause permanent, severe neurological damage or brain death.
• Lengthy hospital stay. Women who survive an amniotic fluid embolism often require treatment in the intensive care unit and — depending on the extent of their complications — might spend weeks or months in the hospital.
• Maternal death. The number of women who die of amniotic fluid embolism (mortality rate) is very high. The numbers vary, but as many as 20 percent of maternal deaths in developed countries may be due to amniotic fluid embolisms.
• Infant death. Your baby is at risk of brain injury or death. Prompt evaluation and delivery of your baby improves survival.