AFE Foundation
AFE Stories
Sharing unique experiences and reflections of those personally impacted by AFE.
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.

AFE Survivor Annie
I was induced at 39 weeks pregnant on Sunday, March 22nd, 2020. For those unfamiliar with Covid-19’s progression of events, that was 11 days after Covid-19 was declared a global

AFE Survivor Alicia S
I had my AFE with my first ever pregnancy and delivery in October of 2019. This required me to have an emergency C-section as my oxygen levels were dangerously low

Ali + Katie: A Friendship
Best friends- they are the keeper of secrets, the ones to wipe your tears, share your dreams with, and who help shape your world views. They are often the ones

AFE Survivor Danielle B
After being a single mother for two years to my eldest son, Ethan, I didn’t think I would be having any more children until much later in life. However, I

AFE Survivor Cathy G
On September 18th, I went into labor with our second daughter and headed to the hospital. Labor progressed throughout the night and the next day around 10 am I received

AFE Survivor Emily T
“You have the shortest chart I’ve ever seen.” I remember those words like it was yesterday. My OB was joking about how healthy I was during my pregnancy, how everything

AFE Survivor Meg
I am 45 years old, Chinese, and I live in Germany. I have two daughters, one was born naturally in Egypt in 2000, and the other was born dramatically on 22.10.2014

AFE Survivor Nicole
February 7, 2018Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler, Pennsylvania It was 7:30 in the morning. I was scheduled for a repeat c-section. I work for my OB/Gyn, so I knew the

AFE Survivor Brady
I was exactly 29 weeks pregnant and at work around 10am when I suddenly started bleeding profusely. I started panicking that I had a miscarriage and lost our baby. One

Ali + Katie: A Friendship
Best friends- they are the keeper of secrets, the ones to wipe your tears, share your dreams with, and who help shape your world views. They are often the ones

AFE Survivor Cathy G
On September 18th, I went into labor with our second daughter and headed to the hospital. Labor progressed throughout the night and the next day around 10 am I received

AFE Survivor Emily T
“You have the shortest chart I’ve ever seen.” I remember those words like it was yesterday. My OB was joking about how healthy I was during my pregnancy, how everything

AFE Survivor Meg
I am 45 years old, Chinese, and I live in Germany. I have two daughters, one was born naturally in Egypt in 2000, and the other was born dramatically on 22.10.2014

AFE Survivor Nicole
February 7, 2018Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler, Pennsylvania It was 7:30 in the morning. I was scheduled for a repeat c-section. I work for my OB/Gyn, so I knew the

AFE Survivor Brady
I was exactly 29 weeks pregnant and at work around 10am when I suddenly started bleeding profusely. I started panicking that I had a miscarriage and lost our baby. One

AFE SURVIVOR KATIE
It was Sunday, July 22, 2018 and I was 40.2 weeks and admitted to begin what was expected to be a typical process to induce labor. The next morning, I

Young Girl Raises Funds for AFE Awareness
In October 2017, Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) survivor, Kristy Keating suffered an AFE during the birth of her daughter Vivien. Kristy is a cheer coach, and at 33 weeks, she

AFE Survivor Gives Thanks and Gives Back
Every year on June 14th people around the globe celebrate World Blood Donor Day to thank the millions who selflessly give the gift of life through blood donation. Severe blood loss

AFE Survivor Emily T
“You have the shortest chart I’ve ever seen.” I remember those words like it was yesterday. My OB was joking about how healthy I was during my pregnancy, how everything

AFE Survivor Meg
I am 45 years old, Chinese, and I live in Germany. I have two daughters, one was born naturally in Egypt in 2000, and the other was born dramatically on 22.10.2014

AFE Survivor Nicole
February 7, 2018Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler, Pennsylvania It was 7:30 in the morning. I was scheduled for a repeat c-section. I work for my OB/Gyn, so I knew the

AFE Survivor Brady
I was exactly 29 weeks pregnant and at work around 10am when I suddenly started bleeding profusely. I started panicking that I had a miscarriage and lost our baby. One

AFE SURVIVOR KATIE
It was Sunday, July 22, 2018 and I was 40.2 weeks and admitted to begin what was expected to be a typical process to induce labor. The next morning, I

AFE Survivor Cali
My daughter and I had just gotten home from church and were taking a nap as she was 2 and I was 21 weeks pregnant. My husband, Josh, checked on

AFE Survivor Angela A.
It’s been hard for me to talk about what happened. I blocked everything out of my head, but I know years later I’m “ starting “ to heal. I think

AFE Survivor Sara
The last thing I remember is the day before delivery day walking through the rose garden and not feeling well. I went into labor one week before my due date,

AFE Survivor Katie
On August 31st, 2017, at 41+3 weeks pregnant, my husband and I got the news that I would be induced that morning and we would finally be meeting our baby

In Memory of Michelle
In memory of Michelle. She was an intelligent, witty, organized and creative woman. She was a selfless giver and loved her family. Michelle was looking forward to meeting her third

In Memory of Becky
In memory of Rebeccah Jo. Wife, mother, daughter, baby sister, friend, and beloved “Ms. Becky” to her students. Known for her loving and warm personality, Becky was a natural mother.

In Memory of Paloma
In memory of Paloma. Wife. Daughter. Aunt. Friend. Mother to precious Elsie. She lived a full and loving life. Paloma worked at USAA Federal Bank and was a proud member

In Memory of Sonia
In memory of Sonia who lived each day as if it were her last. She did not put off until tomorrow what she could do today. She loved deeply and

In Memory of Jacqueline
In memory of Jacqueline. While in high school Jacque showed talent in singing and drama- and was the truest of ‘drama queens’! She found her calling while working as teachers’

In Memory of Larissa
Larissa was a kind and giving soul. A member of the Ojibwe tribe, caring for others was an inherent part of her Native American heritage. ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ “Riss” loved children,

In Memory of Martha
In memory of Martha, a beloved mother of 2 from Kenya. ⠀ ⠀ A mom before the age of 18, Martha quickly adjusted to the many responsibilities of having a

In Memory of Rachel
In memory of Rachel, a devoted wife, loving daughter, kind big sister, loyal friend who is deeply missed by all who loved her. ⠀ ⠀ Whether camping and hiking, shopping

In Memory of Hue-Lien
When Hue-Lien learned early in 1989 she would be having a baby that December, she couldn’t wait to share the news with her husband and 8 year old son. “This
A Guide to Healing AFE Survivors
Experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism can be overwhelming, confusing, and lead to feelings of sadness and isolation. You are not alone and there is hope!
Our AFE Survivor Guide was developed based on the feedback from over 1,200 AFE survivors who have shared their experiences with us. In it you’ll find:
- More about amniotic fluid embolism
- Answers to commonly asked questions
- How and where to find support
- And ways you can help #endAFE

Help us #endAFE!
The AFE Foundation is funded by donations. Every dollar goes toward our support, research, and education programs. We are committed to turning donations into action, including yours.