As the Illinois House of Representatives wrapped up a long week of session Friday morning, State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) rose to bring to his colleagues attention that today, Friday, March 27th, marks Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day.
According to the representative Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day brings needed attention to the devastating and often-fatal pregnancy complication and the importance of reducing maternal mortality resulting from AFE. AFE is essentially an allergic reaction to the amniotic fluid entering the bloodstream.
This reaction can lead to cardiac or pulmonary failure. It is also extremely rare, affecting approximately one in every 40,000 deliveries in the United States. Its cause remains unknown, and studies suggest the death rate may be as high as 60%.