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Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nRuth Clegg<\/span>Health and wellbeing reporter <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n More babies are being born by caesarean section in England than delivered naturally – without assistance – for the first time.<\/p>\n Latest NHS data for 2024-25 shows that 45% of births were by C-section, compared to 44% which were spontaneous, a term used to describe a natural vaginal birth. Another 11% needed extra support and interventions like forceps.<\/p>\n Nearly half of the caesaereans – when the baby is delivered by surgeons cutting into the mother’s abdomen and womb – were planned in advance.<\/p>\n NHS England says the increase is influenced by many factors, including women choosing to have this kind of birth and a rise in pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and obesity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Experts say the picture behind the figures is “very complex”.<\/p>\n Dr Donna Ockenden, who is chairing an independent review into maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals, says it has been an “evolving picture over time”.<\/p>\n “We know there is an increasing maternal age, we know there is rising ill health. I also think previous experience will play a part.<\/p>\n “Birth trauma and having a caesarian section first time, may influence their decision to have a C-section the second time round.”<\/p>\n For many women, having a C-section (also known as a caesarean) is a matter of choice.<\/p>\n Over the past 10 years, the number of caesareans has doubled. <\/p>\n Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said part of this was down to improvements “in our ability to detect when a baby’s wellbeing is deteriorating during labour, and therefore respond appropriately”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Soo Downe, a professor of midwifery studies at the University of Lancashire, says there are many factors contributing to the rise. <\/p>\n “The average age of being a mother has only gone up by one year over the past decade, and women’s BMI [Body Mass Index] has only increased very slightly.<\/p>\n “This doesn’t explain this very rapid rise that has happened over the last 10 years.”<\/p>\n She suggests part of the picture is a growing number of women who feel a caesarean is the “the least worst option” because there is a fear they might not get the support they need for a “safe straightforward positive labour”.<\/p>\n Maternity services in England have been heavily criticised, with reviews into maternity care ongoing at 14 NHS trusts.<\/p>\n An NHS spokesperson said: “All women should receive safe, personalised maternity care in line with best practice guidance and clinical evidence.<\/p>\n “The priority should always be the safety and wellbeing of both mothers and babies, and decisions about how a baby is born are made through informed discussions that consider individual circumstances, clinical advice and a woman’s preferences, ensuring the safest and most appropriate approach for each birth.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n‘Least worst option’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n