One in four births in England is now emergency caesarean, BBC analysis shows

A quarter of all babies born in England are now delivered via emergency Cesarean section, marking a substantial increase over the last five years, according to BBC analysis. This trend represents a significant shift in childbirth practices across the country.

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a total change in how women give birth

The rate of unplanned C-sections has climbed by eight percentage points. Concurrently, the proportion of vaginal births conducted without the assistance of instruments like forceps has declined from over half of all deliveries to just 43%. The rate of elective C-sections has also seen an increase during this period.

Professor Marian Knight, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, described the rise as a "total change in how women give birth" in England. She noted that this trend has not been observed to the same extent in other European countries. While the NHS does not publicly release specific data on the reasons for emergency C-sections, experts suggest a "culture of fear" among pregnant women and within maternity units may be contributing to the increased number of procedures.

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pressure on staff and operating theatres means the system is really struggling to meet the increased demand.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists highlighted that current pressures on healthcare staff and operating theater capacity mean the system is "really struggling" to manage the rising demand. NHS England maintains that all delivery decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering individual circumstances and clinical advice to ensure the safest approach for mother and baby.

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decisions are made by considering individual circumstances and clinical advice to ensure the safest and most appropriate approach for each birth.

Despite the rise in emergency C-sections since 2020, rates of stillbirths and neonatal mortality have remained relatively stable. However, Professor Shakila Thangaratinam expressed concern that an increase in emergency C-sections is worrying if not accompanied by a decrease in adverse outcomes like stillbirths and complications for newborns and mothers.

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An increase in emergency caesarean sections poses concern if these are not accompanied by a corresponding decrease in stillbirths, newborn and maternal complication.