Summary

Amniotic fluid embolism is a serious but uncommon complication of labor and immediate postpartum period. It has a mortality rate which exceeds 80% and as other obstetric complications (e.g., eclampsia, pulmonary embolism, hemorrhage, infection) have been rather controlled, amniotic fluid embolism has become an important cause of maternal mortality. A thirty six years old woman who died after normal spontaneus delivery has been autopsied. The lungs were edematous in appearance. On microscopic examination we found congestion, edema and many squamous cells in capillaries and arterioles. In conclusion, the case is presented as an uncommon and fatal complication of pregnancy.