For “mostly unknown” reasons, an amniotic fluid embolism “can lead to heart and lung failure, which causes several complications due to a lack of oxygenated blood in your body.” In turn, this can lead to cardiac arrest or uncontrollable bleeding from the uterus or C-section incision.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that symptoms of AFE “develop suddenly and quickly” and can be difficult to diagnose due to their similarities with other pregnancy and birth complications.

Symptoms typically occur during childbirth or within 30 minutes of the delivery and can include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, pulmonary edema (fluid in your lungs), abnormal heart rate, chills, sudden anxiety or agitation, and bleeding from the uterus or C-section incision.

Lauren Demosthenes, an ob-gyn and senior medical director with Babyscripts, tells Glamour that symptoms are “dramatic and quick,” noting “patients may feel a sense of doom or anxiety.”

Amniotic fluid embolisms are extremely rare.

AFEs are rare but have a high mortality rate, says Dr. Demosthenes, noting that “OB providers may never see one.”

She adds that although hard data is difficult to come by due to the condition’s unpredictability, 70% of AFEs occur during labor and the fatality rate is 50%, if not higher.

“Ultimately AFE leads to cardiopulmonary failure and DIC [disseminated intravascular coagulation], which is uncontrolled bleeding due to disruption of clotting factors,” Dr. Demosthenes says. “Response needs to be quick with a team of people who can provide CPR, respiratory support, blood products, and ICU care.”

She continues, “Risk cannot be lowered, but response and mortality can be improved by training and having the CPR, respiratory, anesthesia, neonatology teams, high-risk pregnancy teams, and ICU capability readily available. Of course, this may be difficult in rural hospitals or hospitals that are not equipped for this. But response needs to be immediate to reduce mortality.”

Many are sharing their stories after the death of Nurse Hailey.

Many of Nurse Hailey’s followers have taken to the comments section of her social media feeds to share personal stories, messages of support, and resources related to AFE.

“I am so sorry for your loss. I had an amniotic embolism when I gave birth to my son via C-section. My heart stopped for 24 seconds,” one user replied to Matthew’s broadcast interview. “Thankfully, I made it out and I’m here today. I am praying for your family.”

Another responded, “I hope baby Crew grows up always knowing that his mother was such an amazing woman and always gave her heart to the community 🤍 I would not be the nurse I am today without her help and guidance! I praying for you and your family!!!🙏🏽”

However, some expectant parents find the viral nature of the story unhelpful.

For some expectant parents, the “unpredictable” nature of AFE leads to severe anxiety. As the Cleveland Clinic notes, “Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent amniotic fluid embolism. Health care providers are still unsure why AFE happens and what exactly causes this condition.”