Terrified of AFE

[Mumtobe2025x3]

Hi all,
probably me being silly.
I’m 25 weeks pregnant, first time mum.
Prior to me getting pregnant when we were trying I kept seeing on my news feed socials about women having an amniotic fluid embolism especially in the states, I’m in the UK.
This did put me off a bit trying and getting pregnant, however I fell pregnant in March. I’m for a planned c-section and today I discussed likely when it will be etc, now it all feels more real.
I am absolutely terrified that this is going to get me and kill me, I know it’s so rare and you’re more at risk of having an accident than this. I can’t help my anxiety around this, I’m not worried about anything else, but this I can’t shake!

If it helps, AFE is now much more part of our consciousness around childbirth. We run drills as part of our emergency training yearly. At me large hospital we have had two AFEs in the last two years and both women have been fine. It’s very unlikely now to pass unnoticed and we have good treatment protocols.

There are about 700,000 deliveries in the UK each year, and around 15 women experience an AFE.

The risk is estimated around 1 in 50,00.

You will be fine. Delete Tiktok for a bit.

I had an emergency c section seven weeks ago, was pain free in 48 hours and back running a 5k in 4 weeks. Not everyone has a straightforward time, but the vast majority do.

I think you need to have a social media break as it's fuelling your anxiety. It's a very rare occurrence and highly unlikely to affect you. Seek help from your midwife or GP if you feel that anxiety is getting out of hand.