An amniotic fluid embolism is a rare catastrophic birth complication when amniotic fluid from the uterus enters the maternal bloodstream, subsequently causing life-threatening hemorrhage, coagulopathy, and cardiovascular collapse. It is unpredictable, unpreventable, and has a maternal mortality rate of over 70%. The first patient I saw with an amniotic fluid embolism had a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy right up until the moment she stopped responding. She did not survive.