For the first time, caesarean sections have become the most common method of giving birth in England, surpassing natural vaginal births, according to NHS data published on Tuesday. In 2024-25, 45% of births were via caesarean, compared to 44% natural vaginal births and 11% assisted with instruments such as forceps or ventouse.
The data, covering April 2024 to March 2025, shows that over four in ten caesareans were elective planned operations. Among women aged 40 and over, 59% of births were caesareans, while natural vaginal births remained most common for those under 30. Overall, 20% of births were planned caesareans and 25.1% were emergency procedures, both record highs.
There were 542,235 deliveries in NHS hospitals during the period, down from 636,643 a decade earlier. The proportion of caesarean births has risen steadily from 26.5% in 2014-15 to 42% in 2023-24 and now 45%. Experts attribute the increase to rising obesity rates and older maternal age, leading to more complex pregnancies.
Donna Ockenden, a senior midwife leading a major inquiry into maternity failures, said the trend is complex and that women prioritise safety. Professor Soo Downe of the University of Lancashire noted that some women choose caesareans due to a lack of confidence in receiving adequate support for natural births in hospital or at home.
