[Amniotic fluid embolism].

Amniotic fluid embolism is one of the leading causes of direct maternal deaths worldwide. It cannot be predicted. Pregnant women who have undergone a cesarean section, a multiple pregnancy, a placental implantation disorder, polyhydramnion, the need for drug-induced labor and a maternal age ≥ 35 years have a significantly increased risk of developing a peripartum amniotic fluid embolism. The diagnostics of amniotic fluid embolism are purely clinical and include a triad of sudden onset of hypoxia and hypotension, followed by coagulopathy. A causal treatment is not yet known. Treatment must be immediate and is symptom oriented. Decisive for the prognosis and the survival of the mother and neonate are the rapid diagnosis and immediate interdisciplinary treatment. When an amniotic fluid embolism is suspected more personnel must be commandeered without delay as many treatment steps must be carried out simultaneously.