Hailey Okula, a 33-year-old Los Angeles emergency room nurse and social media nursing influencer, sadly died on March 29, just minutes after giving birth to her first child by C-section. Popular for sharing her IVF experience and life as a nurse on social media, Hailey's life touched thousands of people. But her celebratory birth was transformed into a tragic loss when she experienced an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and suffered cardiac arrest minutes after giving birth to her baby boy, Crew.

Hailey's husband, Matthew, announced the tragic news in a video clip uploaded to her Instagram and TikTok accounts. "She was able to see him for a split second," he remembered in an emotional interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles. "She had a little tear in her eye, and we had a little laugh. Then they said they were just wrapping up, and she'd be with us soon. Then everything changed."

What is Amniotic Fluid Embolism?

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but devastating childbirth complication that occurs in an estimated 1 in 40,000 births, reports the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic. It happens when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other fetal tissue enters the mother's circulation—most often during labor or delivery—causing a violent immune response. The response can lead to abrupt cardiovascular collapse, respiratory arrest, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a severe blood-clotting disorder.

Although a mother having amniotic fluid in her blood during delivery is usual, AFE is unusual because it's the overreaction of the immune system that results in a crisis. The majority are not detectable until symptoms arise, making it virtually impossible to treat at the early stages.

"AFE occurs abruptly and unpredictably. It's very difficult to treat and needs emergency medical treatment," the Mayo Clinic says.

Risks Factors related to AF

Since amniotic fluid embolism is such a rare occurrence, the exact causes have not been elucidated. Some risk factors, however, have been noted in medical literature:

• Advanced age of the mother (35+ years)
• Placenta problems, like placenta previa or placental abruption
• Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Medically induced labor
• Excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Forceful contractions or physical trauma during labor
• Tearing of the uterus or cervix
• Forcedps or vacuum extraction during delivery

In fact, AFE has been known to happen in both vaginal and cesarean births, and in Hailey's situation, it occurred during a C-section. Medical professionals estimate that the breakdown in the placental barrier—either from natural or surgical causes—could enable amniotic fluid to leak into the mother's circulatory system. Once there, it can cause the body's severe inflammatory reaction.

Why Amniotic Fluid Embolism is a Condition Without Warning Signs or a Cure?

Hailey's unexpected cardiac arrest was a shock to her care providers and family. Her case emphasizes the heartless truth of AFE: there's no screening test, no diagnostic testing, and no known method to prevent it. Treatment is strictly limited to emergency management—resuscitation, transfusion, and stabilizing the patient.

Unfortunately, outcomes are often grim. The maternal mortality rate ranges from 40% to 80%, and nearly 50% of deaths occur within the first hour. Survivors may face lifelong complications, including neurological damage due to lack of oxygen during cardiac arrest.

Hailey's husband was abruptly faced with the unimaginable—whether to stay with his wife, now critically ill, or his new son. "Not the choice I imagined that I would make," he said, remembering the moment when he discovered doctors were giving Hailey CPR.

While amniotic fluid embolism is largely fatal for mothers, about 70% of babies are delivered safely if immediate emergency measures are taken. The key factor is time. Medical teams must act within minutes to increase the odds of survival for both mother and baby.

What Causes Amniotic Fluid Embolism?

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other debris enters the mother's bloodstream, triggering a severe allergic-like reaction. This can result in catastrophic heart and lung failure as well as abnormal blood clotting. Although the cause is not yet certain, it has been thought to be due to a failure of the placental barrier, usually secondary to trauma during labor or delivery. Risk factors include advanced maternal age, placental abnormalities, preeclampsia, induced labor, or cesarean section. But AFE is unusual and unavoidable, occurring in about 1 in 40,000 deliveries, and can't be averted or forecast with accuracy.

With Hailey, Crew survived and now stands as the only surviving product of a mom who battled long-term infertility, heroically seeking to deliver him into this world. "We wanted this so badly," wrote Matthew in an impassioned Instagram tribute, reflecting on the IVF struggle shared by the couple. I will never forget the day I collapsed apologizing for how much the [IVF] process would affect her. She looked at me and said, 'We are a team.' That was Hailey. A woman who would do anything for the people she loved.

Hailey Okula's untimely death has shed new light on the risks of AFE—a condition even some doctors are not familiar with because it is so rare. As a public figure and ER nurse, Hailey was well-known for speaking out about awareness of women's health and infertility, openly and honestly sharing her IVF journey with her audience.

With the resources of world-class medical technology, no mother should ever die giving life to new life. Still, complications such as amniotic fluid embolism indicate that childbirth is still dangerous—even for healthy, well-tested pregnancies. With the maternal mortality rate still on the increase in most corners of the globe, we owe it to mothers like Hailey to invest in research, education, and quicker emergency response protocols.

Sleep takes up nearly one-third of a person’s life, yet many still wonder what really happens while we rest. Until the mid-20th century, scientists believed sleep was simply a time when the body and brain shut down.

Research now shows that sleep is far from passive, it’s an active, restorative process essential for mental and physical health. As Johns Hopkins neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Mark Wu explains, the brain remains deeply engaged during sleep, performing vital tasks that influence memory, mood, and overall well-being.

The Stages of Sleep

Experts say the human sleep cycle has four main stages that repeat throughout the night. The first three make up non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep, while the fourth is REM sleep, the stage most closely linked with dreaming.

In the first stage of non-REM sleep, the brain and body begin to shift from wakefulness to rest. Brain activity slows, muscles relax, and it is common to experience small, sudden twitches.

During the second stage, the body’s temperature drops slightly, and breathing and heart rate slow. Brainwaves continue to decelerate, though quick bursts of activity may still appear as the brain processes and stores information.

The third stage marks deep sleep, which is the most restorative phase. Here, the body fully relaxes, and the heart rate, breathing, and brain activity reach their lowest levels. This stage is crucial for waking up feeling refreshed and for healing and repair processes throughout the body.

The final stage is REM sleep, which begins about 90 minutes after you fall asleep. It starts short, roughly 10 minutes, but lasts longer with each cycle. During REM, the eyes move rapidly beneath the eyelids, breathing quickens, and heart rate and blood pressure rise to near waking levels. This is when most dreaming occurs. Interestingly, as people age, the amount of REM sleep they experience gradually decreases.

How The Body Regulates Sleep

According to Dr. Wu, two main forces govern sleep: the circadian rhythm and the body’s sleep drive.

The circadian rhythm acts as the body’s internal clock, controlled by a cluster of brain cells that respond to light and darkness. This rhythm triggers the release of melatonin at night and halts it when morning light appears. People who are completely blind often struggle with sleep because their brains can’t register these light cues properly, as per the John Hopkins Study.

The sleep drive works much like hunger. The longer you stay awake, the stronger your urge to sleep becomes. Unlike hunger, though, your body can override your willpower, if exhaustion sets in, it can force sleep to happen, even during daily activities or while driving. In extreme fatigue, brief “microsleep” moments lasting just a few seconds can occur without a person realizing it. However, taking long naps later in the day can reduce this natural sleep pressure, making it harder to fall asleep at night.

Why Sleep Matters For Your Brain

Anyone who has felt mentally sluggish after a sleepless night knows how strongly rest affects the brain. Adequate sleep is key to brain plasticity—the ability to learn, adapt, and form memories. Without it, the brain struggles to retain new information and perform cognitive tasks. Scientists also believe that deep sleep allows the brain to clear out toxins that build up during waking hours, improving long-term brain health.

Sleep impacts far more than the mind. Poor sleep can worsen conditions like depression, high blood pressure, migraines, and even seizures. It weakens the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to infection. Metabolism also suffers, as just one night without enough rest can temporarily throw the body into a prediabetic state.

As Dr. Wu explains, “There are countless ways sleep supports health.” From mental clarity to physical repair, the hours we spend asleep are some of the most important for keeping the body and brain functioning at their best.

When COVID-19 first emerged, it was largely seen as a respiratory illness. Over time, doctors discovered that the virus can affect nearly every major organ, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and skin. While cough, fever, and fatigue remain common signs, some people also develop unusual skin reactions. So, can COVID-19 actually lead to rashes? Here’s what experts have found.

Can COVID-19 Really Cause Rashes?

When COVID-19 first emerged, it was largely seen as a respiratory illness. Over time, doctors discovered that the virus can affect nearly every major organ, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and skin. While cough, fever, and fatigue remain common signs, some people also develop unusual skin reactions. So, can COVID-19 actually lead to rashes? Here’s what experts have found.

What Do COVID-19 Rashes Look Like?

Skin changes linked to COVID-19 are not among the most common symptoms, but they do occur. These rashes may appear on the neck, mouth, or toes and are often caused by inflammation in the body, as per Health website. They can look like flat or raised patches, small round spots, or itchy bumps. In some people, these rashes appear while they’re infected; in others, they show up weeks later.

Why Do These Rashes Occur?

Researchers believe COVID-related rashes are connected to how the virus interacts with the body’s ACE2 receptors, which are found in the skin. When the virus attaches to these receptors, it can trigger the release of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. This inflammation may lead to skin irritation, itchiness, or lesions.

Common Types of COVID-19 Rashes

1. COVID Toes

One of the most recognized skin signs of the virus, “COVID toes,” resembles chilblains, which are cold-weather sores. They appear as pink, red, or purple patches, sometimes with swelling or blistering. This condition is seen more often in younger people and may occur even after other symptoms fade.

2. Hives (Urticaria)

Hives tend to appear suddenly and can spread across any part of the body. They’re itchy, raised, and may come and go within hours or days.

3. Neck Eczema

Some people develop eczema-like rashes on the neck, chest, or trunk during or after COVID-19. The patches can be itchy and vary in color depending on skin tone—pink on lighter skin and brown, gray, or purple on darker skin.

4. Oral Rash

COVID can also cause soreness or peeling inside the mouth or on the lips. The area may feel dry, irritated, or scaly as it heals.

5. Vesicular and Papular Rash

These small, itchy bumps can be filled with fluid (vesicular) or solid (papular). They may appear anywhere on the body and are often linked with ongoing inflammation.

6. Pityriasis Rosea

This condition begins with a single large patch on the chest, back, or abdomen, followed by smaller spots that form a tree-like pattern. Though harmless, it can take several weeks or months to fade.

7. Purpuric or Vasculitic Rash

These rashes appear as dark, bruise-like spots caused by small blood vessel damage under the skin. The color may range from red and purple to brown or black, depending on skin tone.

How Long Do COVID Rashes Last?

The duration depends on the type of rash and the person’s immune response. Most clear up within 2 to 12 days, but some, especially in long COVID cases, may persist for weeks.

How Are COVID Rashes Treated?

Many rashes resolve without any special treatment. To relieve itching or pain, applying mild hydrocortisone cream can help. For more severe or persistent cases, doctors may recommend:

• Antihistamines to reduce itching
• Corticosteroids to lower inflammation
• Blood thinners if the rash is linked to blood vessel irritation

Your doctor will determine the safest treatment depending on the type of rash and overall health.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, or if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects.

It is a common theme for people to feel down and sad in winter. However, why do shorter, colder days often bring on feelings of loneliness and gloom? There is a biological reason behind it. As the days get shorter, many people feel a dip in energy or mood, but for millions, this signals Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a serious form of depression that shouldn't be ignored. Experts from West Virginia University (WVU) caution that SAD symptoms are very similar to major depressive disorder and must be taken seriously.

What Causes SAD?

SAD is much more than just feeling down when it gets dark. It's a genuine type of depression most often seen during the winter months, especially in places far north where daylight is scarce. The basic problem is simple: less natural light hits your eyes. This drop in sunlight confuses your brain's chemistry.

It messes with two vital brain chemicals: serotonin, which helps stabilize your mood, and melatonin, which controls when you sleep and wake up. This lack of light also throws off your body's internal clock, called the circadian rhythm. When all these elements get disrupted, it triggers feelings of low energy and depression.

What Are The Symptoms Of SAD?

SAD involves a cluster of symptoms that persist and significantly interfere with your daily life. The pattern is usually predictable: symptoms begin in the fall, peak in the winter, and disappear by spring. Symptoms often include:

• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
• Significant changes in sleep (often sleeping more, or having disrupted sleep).
• Changes in appetite or increased food cravings.
• Difficulty concentrating and persistent fatigue.

The risk of SAD is higher among younger people, women, and those with a family history of mood disorders.

Can You Treat/Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Because Seasonal Affective Disorder is highly predictable, experts advise starting preventative treatments early in the fall. Seeing a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best plan and timing for treatment, rather than waiting for severe symptoms to appear later in winter.

Light Therapy

This involves sitting daily before a special light box emitting 10,000 lux of bright white light. Doing this for 30 to 60 minutes each morning is the most common and effective treatment for SAD, as it helps correct the imbalance caused by reduced sunlight exposure.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This form of talk therapy teaches you practical skills to manage negative thinking patterns and behaviors linked to depression. CBT helps individuals reframe their outlook on winter and build effective coping mechanisms to reduce the impact of SAD symptoms.

Medication

In certain situations, a healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressant medication to help regulate mood-affecting brain chemicals like serotonin. This is often considered alongside light therapy or counseling, especially if symptoms of depression are severe or persistent.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple daily habits are powerful tools. Regular exercise boosts mood and energy, while maintaining a consistent sleep schedule keeps your body's internal clock stable. These practical steps offer significant support alongside clinical treatments.