What can amniotic fluid and fetal cells entering the mother's circulatory system cause?

The correct choice highlights the condition known as amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), which occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal cells enter the mother's bloodstream. This is considered a rare and serious complication that can happen during labor, delivery, or shortly after, posing significant risks for both the mother and the fetus.

In AFE, the introduction of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation can trigger a cascade of events, leading to cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The presence of fetal cells may cause the maternal immune system to mount a response, contributing to the severity of the condition.

While anemia, gestational hypertension, and uterine atony are also significant conditions that can occur during pregnancy and childbirth, they do not specifically arise from the entry of amniotic fluid or fetal cells into the maternal bloodstream in the same manner as AFE. Anemia is typically related to nutritional deficiencies or blood loss, gestational hypertension develops from other mechanisms often related to placental factors, and uterine atony is associated with the failure of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery. Understanding the implications of amniotic fluid entering the maternal circulation is crucial for recognizing the danger of AFE and managing it