Emergency Obstetric Care (EMOC)

Approximately half a million die from complications of pregnancy, labor and pueperium.

About 99% of this occurs in developing countries.

The causes of most maternal deaths are from direct obstetric complications such as hemorrhage.

• Sepsis
• Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
• Obstructed labor
• Unsafe abortion
• Ruptured uterus
• Ectopic pregnancy

Low maternal mortality ration observed in the western countries is due to

• Early recognition
• Prompt treatment in a functioning health system

To reduce the MMR in countries with high MMR, the programs must target

• The direct causes of maternal death (prevention and treatment though emergency obstetric care)
• Provision of skilled birth attendants and enabling environment.

EMOC is a package of medical intervention/services (signal functions) required to treat the 7 major obstetric complications identified by WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA.

EMOC is one of the two strategies to reduce maternal mortality in developing countries. The second strategy Skilled Birth Attendance.

Facilities that provide these services/medical interventions or signal functions are known as Basic or Comprehensive EMOC facilities.

7 signal functions:

1. Administration of parenteral antibiotics
2. Oxytocic drugs
3. Anticonvulsants (magnesium sulphate)
4. Manual removal of placenta
5. Removal of retained product of conception (MVA)
6. Assisted vaginal delivery (AVD)
7. Neonatal resuscitation

Comprehensive EMOC facility has the 7 BEMOC (It performs all BEMOC signal functions) +2 additional signal functions—

1. C/S
2. Blood transfusion services