Which of the following is a common sign of amniotic fluid embolism?

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but serious condition that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular and respiratory complications. One of the hallmark signs of AFE is dyspnea, or difficulty in breathing. This symptom arises because the presence of amniotic fluid in the bloodstream can lead to significant pulmonary complications, including circulatory shock and acute respiratory distress. As the body reacts to the embolism, there can be abrupt changes in the lung’s ability to function properly, which manifests as severe shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and potentially lung edema.

Other symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue, may occur in various clinical scenarios but are not as definitive or characteristic of amniotic fluid embolism as dyspnea. Nausea can be associated with many other conditions that a woman may experience during pregnancy, and headaches and fatigue can be systemic signs of many different issues. In contrast, dyspnea is specifically linked to the disruption in respiratory function caused by the sudden acute event of AFE, making it a more critical sign for early recognition and management of this emergency condition.