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A 41-year-old female asked:

What is the clinical difference between hypovolemic shock and amniotic fluid embolism during c section?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Bennett Werneranswered

Cardiology 46 years experience

Similar but differen: Hypovolemic shock is blood and fluid loss usually from bleeding causing severe low BP and cardiac arrest from loss of perfusion. Amniotic fluid embolism leads to low BP from allergic vasodilation and then bleeding from dic (disseminated intravascular coagulation) which results in hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrest. The mechanisms are similar but different.

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Related questions

A 31-year-old female asked:

I read about someone that had a healthy pregnancy, had the perfect induction/labor then during active labor she passed out and died from Amniotic fluid Embolism. How does this happen in healthy people?

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Does minor tears in cervix or vagina increase risk of amniotic fluid embolism? I was told during a PAP once I had friable cervix.

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Does your heart rate go up rapidly during amniotic-fluid embolism?

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A 29-year-old female asked:

28 weeks pregnant. Worried about amniotic fluid embolism. How common is it if I tear in vaginal birth or end up with c section? I can't stop obsessing

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Last updated Jun 10, 2014

Found in:

Female health›Shock›C-section

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