AFE Stories
Below are the personal stories of women and their families who have been affected by or lost to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). Each story is unique and offers insight into what others have experienced. Our desire is to feature these stories to lessen the feelings of isolation that often accompany AFE.
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In Memory of Aria Rae
On July 26, 2007, my sister, Aria Rae, 24, died in Vorhees, New Jersey of an amniotic fluid embolism following labor induction with Cervidil and pitocin. The baby boy with whom she was pregnant survived despite multiple seizures. As a 12 year old, being there for it all was horrific. Multiple...
AFE Survivor, Amanda C
I went in to the hospital for an induction at 40 weeks and had been 1 cm dilated for four weeks. The epidural experience was amazing and better than the first two I had with my other two children. About an hour to two hours after having the epidural my doctor came in to break my water. All was...
Katelynn, Labor and Delivery RN
As a labor and delivery nurse, you are part of such an intimate part of someone’s life. In both good and bad ways. The birth of a baby can be the best day in someone’s life. Or the worst I fell in love with labor, not only the process and physiology, but the care you give your parties can be so...
AFE Survivor, Annie L
In May 2021, I was 39 weeks pregnant and admitted into the labor and delivery room. My labor was progressing as normal. It had been a relatively easy pregnancy, with minimal symptoms and no complications. Definitely no warning signs leading up to the moment that was about to enfold. Suddenly I...
AFE Widower, Stephen Wiesenfeld changed the course of history for widowers in the U.S.
On June 5, 1972, Paula and Stephen Weisenfeld, were overjoyed to welcome their first child. Paula, a teacher, planned to return to work while Stephen, who ran a computer consulting business, would stay home to help care for their child. Their decision was unusual for the 1970’s, when the social...
AFE Survivor, Allison C
My AFE happened in December 2012 when my 3rd boy was born. I went to hospital to be induced on the 19th of December as there wasn't going to be an OB/GYNs at the local hospital over the Christmas period. The next evening on the 20th, at 6.30 pm, my beautiful boy Levi was born. Shortly after, I...
