Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is usually sudden and occurs during labor, at delivery, or very soon after birth.
After spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD): most postpartum cases begin within minutes, commonly in the first 30 minutes after delivery or placental delivery.
After cesarean section: it can occur during the operation, immediately afterward, or in the early postpartum period.
AFE is generally considered possible up to 48 hours postpartum, but onset beyond the first few hours is uncommon. A study of postpartum AFE found 5 of 7 cases began within 30 minutes of delivery. Postpartum AFE series
It is not a delayed complication that usually appears days later. Sudden shortness of breath, low oxygen, hypotension/fainting, seizure, cardiac arrest, or heavy bleeding with clotting failure after birth requires an immediate obstetric emergency response. AFE can occur with either vaginal or cesarean birth. NCBI overview
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