Caesarean Births on the Rise in England

Recent data from the NHS in England indicates an increase in the number of babies delivered via Caesarean section. For the 2023/24 period, Caesarean births accounted for 42% of all deliveries. This proportion has shown a consistent rise over the last ten years. According to experts, this trend is associated with a “growing number” of more “complex” pregnancies, often due to factors such as the mother’s age or obesity. Additionally, some mothers are opting for a Caesarean – a procedure where surgeons deliver the baby by making incisions into the mother’s abdomen and womb – for reasons not related to medical necessity. In the previous year, among the 398,675 deliveries conducted by the NHS in England for which the method of labour initiation was documented, 101,264 (25%) were Caesarean births. Of these, 67,100 were classified as planned or “elective” procedures. Furthermore, data indicates that an additional 32,463 deliveries commenced with a Caesarean and were performed as emergencies. These were prompted by urgent health issues affecting either the mother or the baby that emerged prior to the spontaneous onset or induction of labour. In total for 2023/24, Caesarean deliveries numbered 225,762, representing 42% of all deliveries. Within this total, 99,783 were elective procedures, and 125,979 were recorded as emergency Caesareans. By way of comparison, ten years prior, in 2013/14, Caesarean deliveries constituted 166,081 births, or 26% of the total. Dr. Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), identified complex births as a “major factor.” She stated, “We are seeing national rising rates of obesity and people choosing to have children at a later state in their life, both of which can increase the chance of complications.” The probability of a Caesarean delivery rose with the mother’s age. For individuals over 39, this procedure was the predominant method for both the onset and delivery of birth. The majority of women under 30 experienced “spontaneous” labour without medical intervention, with vaginal births being the most frequent delivery method. One-third of all deliveries involved induction, signifying that labour was initiated through artificial means, such as a hormone drip or a pessary. The RCOG does not advocate for one birth method over another. Experts maintain that women should have the option to choose their birthing method, provided circumstances permit and it is considered safe. The NHS has recently eliminated a previous cap on the number of Caesarean sections it performs. Historically, maternity units were advised to encourage vaginal births and maintain a Caesarean rate around 20%. However, current NHS guidance affirms that women are entitled to a planned Caesarean if it is deemed safe for both the mother and the baby. An NHS spokesman commented, “A Caesarean is a major operation that comes with risks, so it’s usually done when it’s the safest option for women and their baby.” The spokesman added, “However, some do choose to have a C-section for a non-medical reason.” He concluded, “NHS maternity teams across the country are fully committed to providing the safest and most personalised care possible to all women, according to best-practice guidance and informed by evidence, to help them to achieve the type of birth they would like.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.