22/12/2024
🍼 Rising Caesarean Birth Rates in England: What's Behind the Trend? 🤔
The number of babies born via Caesarean section in England has been steadily increasing, with the latest NHS data for 2023/24 revealing that 42% of all deliveries were performed this way. A decade ago, this figure was just 26%. So, what’s driving this rise?
🔍 The Numbers
📊 Out of 398,675 deliveries recorded last year, 225,762 were by Caesarean:
➡️ 99,783 elective procedures (planned Caesareans)
➡️ 125,979 emergency Caesareans (due to urgent health concerns)
A significant factor is the growing number of complex pregnancies. According to experts, complications are more likely when mothers are:
Having children at an older age (especially over 39)
Experiencing conditions like obesity
For women over 39, Caesarean has now become the most common method of delivery, while younger women (under 30) are more likely to have spontaneous labour and vaginal births.
💬 What Experts Say
Dr. Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), highlights that rising rates of obesity and older maternal age are major contributors to the trend.
The NHS has also changed its approach. While maternity units once aimed to keep Caesarean rates around 20%, they now respect women’s right to choose a planned Caesarean if it’s considered safe for both mother and baby.
⚠️ Caesarean: A Major Operation
While a Caesarean can be life-saving, it is a major surgery that carries risks. That’s why NHS maternity teams focus on providing personalised care to ensure the safest outcomes for mothers and babies.
💡 Let’s Discuss
What do you think about this trend?
✅ Should women have more freedom to choose their delivery method?
✅ Are we doing enough to address factors like obesity and maternal age?
✅ How can healthcare systems balance safety with personal choice?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your comments below, share your experiences, or tag someone who might have insights on this topic. Let’s create a space for meaningful conversations about childbirth and maternal care.
