New mother survives rare amniotic fluid embolism after emergency delivery

Jennifer Choate, 27, entered the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center with signs of preeclampsia and was induced two weeks before her March 6, 2025 due date. While labor progressed without issue, she suddenly felt crushing chest pressure and her heart stopped, prompting labor nurse Arianna Bortle to summon senior staff. Doctors diagnosed an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare condition affecting roughly one in 40,000 births, and performed an emergency cesarean, blood transfusions, clamps and a uterine tamponade to control bleeding.

She was then moved to the University of Maryland Medical Center for advanced intensive care, where she was ventilated and later weaned off support. Both she and her daughter survived; Choate spent nine days in the hospital before returning home, where she continues to recover and reflect on the ordeal.