Amniotic fluid embolism in childbirth

This code signifies a rare but severe obstetric emergency where amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enters the maternal bloodstream, triggering an anaphylactoid reaction. This leads to acute respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, coagulopathy, and potentially maternal and fetal death during the childbirth process.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism occurring during labor, delivery, or immediately postpartum. Supporting documentation should detail the sudden onset of dyspnea, hypotension, and/or hemorrhage consistent with this diagnosis.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the event occurred in childbirth to differentiate from events in pregnancy (O88.11) or the puerperium (O88.13).
• Always sequence this code as a principal diagnosis if it is the condition chiefly responsible for the admission.
• Look for associated complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and code them accordingly.