Recent data from NHS England indicates a significant shift in childbirth methods in England, with more births now occurring via caesarean section than through spontaneous vaginal delivery for the first time. In the 2024-25 reporting period, 45% of births were delivered by C-section, compared to 44% delivered naturally, with an additional 11% requiring assisted interventions such as forceps.
The increase in caesarean births can be attributed to various factors, including a growing number of women opting for this method and a rise in pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, among expectant mothers. Dr. Donna Ockenden, overseeing an independent review of maternity services, noted the complexity of the situation, highlighting trends like increasing maternal age and the impact of previous birth experiences on women’s choices for subsequent deliveries.
Over the past decade, the incidence of caesarean deliveries has doubled. Dr. Alison Wright from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists attributes some of this rise to advancements in monitoring fetal well-being during labor, allowing for timely interventions when necessary.
Professor Soo Downe from the University of Lancashire suggests that the rapid increase in caesarean births cannot be solely explained by changes in maternal age or body mass index. She posits that some women may perceive a C-section as the “least worst option” due to concerns about inadequate support during labor.
Amid ongoing criticisms of maternity services in England, with reviews of care at 14 NHS trusts, an NHS spokesperson emphasized the importance of personalized maternity care tailored to individual circumstances, prioritizing the safety and well-being of mothers and infants in the decision-making process around childbirth methods.
