Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, life-threatening childbirth complication where amniotic fluid or fetal material enters the mother’s bloodstream, potentially causing shock, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest.
While both vaginal and cesarean births carry some risk, research shows AFE may be slightly more common in cesarean deliveries.
🔍 Vaginal vs. Cesarean: AFE Risk Comparison
| Delivery Method | AFE Incidence |
|---|---|
| Vaginal Birth | ~11% of AFE cases |
| Cesarean Section | ~19% of AFE cases |
Cesarean births involve larger incisions and more vascular exposure, which may increase the chance of amniotic fluid entering the bloodstream. However, modern surgical teams are well-equipped to manage such rare events quickly and effectively.
📉 How Rare Is AFE?
Despite its severity, AFE is extremely uncommon — affecting only 1.9 to 7.7 per 100,000 births. That means over 99.99% of deliveries do not result in AFE.
🧘♀️ Should You Be Worried?
No. The risk is real but rare. If a cesarean is medically necessary, your care team is trained to handle complications and ensure a safe delivery.
