see also: [[Fat embolism]], [[Pulmonary Embolism]] - onset usually during labour and delivery or immediatly postpartium - non-specific symptoms; chills, nausea, vomiting, agitation - hypotension due to cardiogenic shock - hypoxemia and resp failure - DIC - coma or seizures > suspect in labour, delivery, or immediate post-partum setting (within 48 hours) when there is sudden onset of unexplained shock and/or respiratory compromise **DDx:** - PE - Air embolism - haemorrhage - eclampsia - MI - anaphylaxis - aspiration - cardiomyopathy # treatment - supportive # pathophysiology also known as "anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy"  occurs when some antiotic fluid gains access to maternal circulation (via endocervical veins, placental insertion site, or uterine injury eg during c-section) in large volumes with catastropic consequences.  it is a slimy, yellowish white and contains mucous which is essentially equivalent ot IV injection of sewer water.  **death occurs due to circulatory collapse or resp failure and severe hypoxia.**   hypoxia is due to crude effects of V/Q mismatch when amniotic fluid emboli clog the lungs (kinda like a PE), cardiogenic pulm oedema, non-cardiogenic cap leak pulm oedema, and bronchospasm similar to anaphylaxis.   shock is initially obstruction, and eventially becomes distributive with sepsis-like capillary leak.  eventually get DIC from systemic inflammatory response.   agitaiton, deliriuj, seizures, and coma due to severe hypoxia