Caesarean section has become the most common form of birth in England, overtaking vaginal births for the first time.
According to the latest data, 45.1 percent of women who gave birth in 2024/25 delivered their baby via cesarean section, compared to just 9 percent in 1980.
Meanwhile, the number of vaginal births without intervention has fallen sharply – from 76.5 percent in 1980, to just 43.8 percent today.
The remainder, about 11 percent of births, were assisted vaginal deliveries, where doctors used tools like forceps or suction to help deliver the baby.
Why is the number of cesarean sections increasing?
Experts believe that the increase in cesarean births is mainly related to:
the increase in obesity,
the increasing age of women becoming mothers,
and the desire to plan the birth in advance.
The first two factors increase the risk of complications during vaginal birth, while some women prefer the convenience of a planned, scheduled cesarean section to organize their lives around the birth.
Also, women who have given birth once by cesarean section are more likely to repeat this method in subsequent pregnancies.
The age of mothers is increasing
NHS England data, released today, shows that nearly one in four births (23.9%) are to mothers over 35, compared with 19.9% a decade ago.
Older women are more likely to experience:
complications during pregnancy,
longer labors,
Weaker contractions due to less efficient functioning of the uterine muscles.
This often leads to the recommendation of a planned cesarean section, or an emergency cesarean section if natural birth presents problems.
The rate of cesarean births increases significantly with age:
35.6% among women aged 20–24,
57.9% among women aged 40–44,
71.5% in women aged 45–49.
Warnings, but also advantages for mothers over 40
A fact sheet prepared by Barts Health NHS Trust in London warns that it has been known for years that older women are more likely to face difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth.
However, the document also highlights several advantages:
older women often eat healthier and exercise more,
are less likely to smoke,
They have more life experience, self-confidence, and emotional and financial stability.
"Focus on a healthy pregnancy and bonding with your baby," the document advises, urging women not to worry too much about age.
New record for planned and emergency cesarean sections
In total:
20% of births in 2024/25 were planned cesarean sections,
25.1% were emergency caesareans – both the highest figures ever recorded.
Charities warn that being overweight and obese significantly increases the risk to both mother and baby. Studies show that obese women are up to twice as likely to need a caesarean section.
They also experience:
slower births,
the largest babies in weight,
more complications during childbirth.
Today, more than one in four women over the age of 18 in the UK are obese.
Tommy's, an organization that deals with pregnancy and infant health, emphasizes that:
"If you have a high body mass index (BMI) before or early in pregnancy, you are more likely to need a caesarean section – but it is not given on the basis of BMI alone."
Fewer births, higher costs
The number of babies born fell to its lowest level in 23 years, with 542,235 births last year – about 3,000 fewer than a year earlier and 100,000 fewer than a decade ago.
The average cost of a birth to the NHS in 2022/23 was £5,417, but it is usually higher for older mothers.
According to NHS statistics:
a natural birth costs around 3,200 pounds,
a planned caesarean section around 4,000 pounds,
while an emergency caesarean section can cost up to £6,000, being the most expensive option.
Concerns about the quality of care during childbirth
A recent report by the Care Quality Commission found that one in five women do not feel taken seriously when they express concerns during childbirth.
Many new mothers report that:
they don't get the right help,
or are not confident that they are receiving the correct advice from NHS maternity services.
A large survey of 16,750 pregnant women showed that, despite some improvements, satisfaction levels remain unchanged and key problems persist.
Among them:
one in ten women has been left alone in moments that caused them distress during childbirth,
Women from poorer areas feel less treated with dignity and respect.
Call for informed choices
Fiona Gibb, director of midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, said:
“Caesarean section deliveries have been steadily increasing and now account for almost half of all births. This reflects changes in maternal needs, parental choices and systemic pressures.”
"What matters is that every woman is supported to make informed choices about the birth method that is best for her. No birth is risk-free – including caesarean – so accurate information is essential." /GazetaExpress/
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