Emergency obstetric care (EOC) refers specifically to the timely diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening complications that arise during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. It includes essential interventions such as cesarean section, blood transfusion, assisted vaginal delivery, and management of postpartum hemorrhage and eclampsia. These actions are critical to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Routine antenatal checkups, postnatal exercises, and family planning counseling are important but do not constitute emergency care. The primary goal of EOC is to provide immediate and skilled surgical and medical treatment for obstetric emergencies.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, Cunningham, 25th Edition.