A BBC analysis has found that one in four births in England is now by emergency caesarean section, marking a significant rise over the last five years.
The increase has left experts searching for a clear explanation, with no single factor identified as the cause. The analysis draws on NHS hospital data, showing a steady upward trend in emergency caesareans since 2019.
“BBC analysis shows one in four births in England is now an emergency caesarean, a significant rise over five years with no clear explanation.”
Emergency caesareans are typically performed when complications arise during labour, such as foetal distress or prolonged labour. The rise comes despite efforts to reduce unnecessary interventions and promote natural birth.
The data covers all NHS hospitals in England. Comparable figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were not included in the analysis, but experts say the trend may be similar across the UK.
Experts say there is no single, clear explanation for the increase. Possible factors include rising maternal age, higher rates of obesity, and changes in clinical practice, but the BBC analysis did not attribute the rise to any specific cause.
Health officials are likely to study the trend further to understand the underlying reasons and ensure that caesareans are only performed when medically necessary.
What This Means For You For expectant mothers, the rising rate of emergency caesareans means a higher chance of needing surgical delivery during labour. While caesareans can be life-saving, they carry risks including longer recovery times and potential complications in future pregnancies. Women are advised to discuss birth plans with their midwives and be aware that plans may change if complications arise.