Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklist for initial management of amniotic fluid embolism—Updated 2026

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare syndrome characterized by sudden cardiorespiratory collapse during labor or soon after delivery. Because of its rarity, many obstetrical providers have no experience in managing amniotic fluid embolism and may therefore benefit from a cognitive aid such as a checklist. In 2021, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine published a sample checklist for the initial management of amniotic fluid embolism based on standard management guidelines. In this article, we present an updated checklist with revisions to align the terminology with advanced cardiac life support guidelines. We also suggest steps that each facility can take to implement the checklist effectively. This Special Statement replaces Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklist for initial management of amniotic fluid embolism, 2021.