Amniotic fluid embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), although rare, is a serious cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. In the most recent confidential enquiry into maternal deaths in the UK, it was the second leading cause of maternal death. It is important to assess cases of AFE to identify ways of diagnosing and managing this condition to improve the outcome for these women. It has recently been shown that medical induction seems to increase the risk of AFE. It is therefore important for obstetricians to be aware of this risk when making decisions about elective labour induction.