In the world of obstetric care, most women will use both vaginal and cesarean delivery, while some may use only one or the other. This is due to several factors including personal preference, pregnancy outcomes, and financial status.
One thing that women should be aware of, however, is the difference between BEmOC and CEmOC.
Summary Table
| BEmOC | CEmOC |
| Basic Emergency Obstetric. | Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care. |
| Field-based course. | Specialized prenatal and obstetric care course. |
| An on-the-job training under supervision. | More comprehensive and covers wide subjects. |
Definitions
BEmOC (Basic Emergency Obstetric) is a field-based course for midwives and nurses working in obstetric units and health centers in rural areas. It is a core module for the award of the Basic Emergency Obstetric Midwifery Certificate and/or Midwifery Diploma.
Participants receive on-the-job training under supervision, learning about the medical management of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
They also learn about childbearing, delivery, and postnatal care, as well as infection control, wound care, anesthesia, and pain relief.
CEmOC (Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care) is a specialized prenatal course.
It is open to all doctors, nurses, and midwives.
Those who qualify will be seen by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant for routine prenatal care, including:
In addition to the usual health assessments, the program offers comprehensive obstetrical care, including:
- Early prenatal care
- Labor and delivery care
- Cesarean section (C-section) cares for women who have previously given birth vaginally or by cesarean section.
- Women’s health issues include weight management, smoking cessation, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and behavioral problems.
- Postpartum care for women and their families following the birth of a baby.
Difference Between BEmOC and CEmOC
The main difference between these two courses is that the BEmOC program aims at preparing students for an emergency situation and field-based training, while the CEmOC program is aimed at preparing students for careers in industry or government laboratories.
This may be why a greater number of students from other disciplines attend the BEmOC program than the CEmOC program, and why so many graduate from both programs with good grades.
Both programs have produced successful scientists and engineers over time, so it’s important to get into whichever one best fits your career goals!
