Objective

This study aim was to elucidate the experiences of midwives who assisted mothers diagnosed with amniotic fluid embolisms and explore the challenges faced by midwives in responding to such cases.

Participants and Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five midwives who had experience assisting mothers diagnosed with amniotic fluid embolisms. The interviews explored these experiences, such as the ways in which they responded and their psychological states, in relation to the progression of amniotic fluid embolism cases. Subsequently, the data were analyzed qualitatively and descriptively.

Results

All patients assisted by the midwives had been diagnosed with uterine-type amniotic fluid embolisms. Sixty-six codes were extracted from the experiences of midwives who assisted these women, and codes were further organized into 23 subcategories and seven main categories. Immediately after the onset of the initial symptoms, midwives assisting the mothers with amniotic fluid embolisms experienced “being at the mercy and feeling fear of bleeding that would not stop no matter what was done” and “a sense of impending crisis after detecting signs of sudden deterioration in the patient's symptoms and the actions of those around her.” Following the commencement of emergency responses, they were “shocked by the patient's rapid progression to a critical state” and “confronted with their own inadequacies in emergency responses as midwives.” Further, they experienced “an intense and growing desire to save the woman's life, no matter what it took.” After assisting their respective patients, they were left with “a deep sense of guilt toward the woman and her family” and “a heartfelt determination to ensure that this experience would not be in vain.”

Conclusion

Midwives who assisted mothers with amniotic fluid embolism faced profound emotional and professional challenges, including fear of uncontrollable bleeding, emotional shock, guilt, and a drive for future preparedness. It is important for midwives to always have a sense of responsibility as the person in charge of dealing with amniotic fluid embolisms; it is crucial that midwives have knowledge regarding the unique progression of amniotic fluid embolisms, while continuing to undergo training and collaborating with other departments on a regular basis. In addition, it was suggested that mental health care for midwives who responded to amniotic fluid embolisms in mothers is necessary; a better understanding of the psychological state of midwives who have responded to amniotic fluid embolisms in mothers is crucial.