Will amniotic fluid embolism occur in the second pregnancy?

When a woman is pregnant, a substance called amniotic fluid is produced around the uterus. The amniotic fluid will rupture before the woman gives birth. However, if the amniotic fluid is blocked when entering the woman's blood vessels, it will cause amniotic fluid embolism. Amniotic fluid embolism is a dangerous condition for both women and babies, but will a woman who gives birth to a second child still suffer from amniotic fluid embolism?

Will having a second baby cause amniotic fluid embolism?

Amniotic fluid embolism has nothing to do with whether it is the second child or not. It is a blood circulation disorder caused by amniotic fluid entering the blood vessels. There are many reasons for amniotic fluid embolism, usually with the following inducements: ① Most of them are multiparous women; ② Most of them have a history of premature rupture of membranes or artificial rupture of membranes; ③ It is common in excessive uterine contractions or improper use of oxytocin; ④ Amniotic fluid embolism is prone to occur in early placental abruption, placenta previa, uterine rupture or surgical delivery. This is not something you can control, just cooperate with your doctor.

Why is amniotic fluid embolism so dangerous?

The reason why amniotic fluid embolism is so dangerous is that it is related to the various pollutants in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid contains a variety of substances, such as placental vernix, meconium, fur, and pollutants. Once they enter the blood, they can cause large-scale acute infection and lead to renal failure. Especially some tangible substances, which enter the lungs of the mother through blood circulation and form pulmonary embolism, which may immediately cause respiratory distress and cardiac arrest.

Moreover, the mucus in the amniotic fluid contains anticoagulants, which will cause the normal heavy bleeding of the mother to be unable to coagulate, even if large amounts of fresh blood are continuously transfused. A doctor of medicine described that Union Hospital saved a patient with amniotic fluid embolism. The patient had his uterus removed and received more than 10,000 milliliters of blood transfusion, which is more than twice the amount of blood in the human body.

Even if patients who unfortunately suffer from amniotic fluid embolism are rescued, they may still suffer from serious sequelae, such as renal failure. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, they may become a vegetative state. Restoring the patient's heartbeat and breathing in the operating room is only the first step. A hospital has conducted statistics that show that for every 15,000 babies delivered each year, there may be an average of 1-2 cases of amniotic fluid embolism. The overall incidence rate is not high, but the mortality rate is as high as 80%. Therefore, amniotic fluid embolism is undoubtedly the most dangerous complication in obstetrics.

Amniotic fluid embolism precautions

Although it is not possible to effectively screen for amniotic fluid embolism, some high-risk factors are relatively clear. The first is cesarean section. In the preoperative conversation record of cesarean section, amniotic fluid embolism is a type of complication clearly mentioned. According to the regulations, the hospital will inform the mothers and their families who choose cesarean section of the possible risks. Natural childbirth may also lead to amniotic fluid embolism, but cesarean section increases this risk many times. Therefore, it is best for a woman to listen to the doctor's advice when choosing to give birth or have a cesarean section.

Spontaneous uterine contractions that are too strong may also cause amniotic fluid embolism. The cause of amniotic fluid embolism is generally related to excessive uterine contraction, so the abuse of oxytocin may also cause amniotic fluid embolism. Oxytocin is used drop by drop, accurately. Abuse of oxytocin can artificially speed up the labor process, cause uterine contractions to be too rapid, and pressure to be too strong, which may cause amniotic fluid to enter the mother's blood.

Other factors that may increase the risk include advanced age and multiple births. An increase in the number of births causes the uterine tissue to loosen, making it easier for amniotic fluid to penetrate the uterus and enter the mother's body, thus increasing the risk. With the relaxation of the two-child policy, the number of older pregnant women will increase, which may lead to an increase in the number of unexpected amniotic fluid embolism incidents.

Amniotic fluid embolism cannot be known in advance, but it can be avoided as much as possible. Experts give 5 pieces of advice:

1. Giving birth is indeed dangerous. Please be aware of the dangers of childbirth. In the past, giving birth was called "the gate of hell". Although the maternal mortality rate has dropped significantly, it is still not completely safe.

2. The baby should not be too big, about 3 kilograms will be enough.

3. Maintain a certain level of physical strength and strive for a natural birth.

4. Choose whether to give birth yourself or have a cesarean section, and follow the doctor’s advice.

5. If a problem arises, listen to the doctor's advice and respond to the doctor as soon as possible.