Re: amniotic fluid embolism caused by pitocin?

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I am truly sorry for the loss of your sister. It does sound like the problem was an amniotic fluid embolus. This is a situation where some of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby will get into the mothers circulation. It a very toxic substance there and will cause profound shock, heart and lung failure, DIC and multiorgan failure, the signs you have seen happen recently. As far as the cause, we do not truly know. We think it is due to forceful labor, but have even seen it occur after an elective c-section. It has never to my knowledge been ascribed to pitocin or narcotic drugs. This is a very rare and deadly complication of pregnancy, and having been involved in one in my lifetime, I hope to never have to go thru it again. I will keep your sister and family in my thoughts and prayers.

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William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG
Editorial Advisor-Pregnancy and Birth
Private Practice
New Orleans, La.

*Please understand I can not respond to private emails.

*These comments are for educational purposes only.  They are
not meant to take the place of an examination by a qualified
health care provider.  They are not intended to be the start
of a physician-patient relationship.

• Next message: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: bleeding post miscarriage"
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• In reply to: BJ: "amniotic fluid embolism caused by pitocin?"
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• Reply: Amy: "Re: amniotic fluid embolism caused by pitocin?"
• Reply: Amy: "Re: amniotic fluid embolism caused by pitocin?"