For the first time in England’s history, caesarean section births have surpassed natural vaginal births, according to newly released data from the National Health Service (NHS). New figures show that 45% of deliveries in the 2024–25 period were by C-section, while 44% were natural vaginal births, and the remaining births involved assisted methods such as forceps or ventouse.
Health experts say this milestone reflects a complex mix of demographic, medical, and personal choice factors. The NHS points to an increasing number of older mothers, a rise in pre-existing health conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and advances in prenatal screening and risk assessment, all of which can lead clinicians to recommend C-sections more often.
For many women, personal preference and past birth experiences also play a role. Some choose a scheduled caesarean because it offers predictability or because previous difficult labours have shaped their views on safety and support during childbirth.
Midwifery and obstetric specialists emphasize that the priority remains the safety and wellbeing of both mother and baby, and that decisions about the mode of delivery should be made collaboratively between expectant women and their clinical teams. They also note that the trend highlights broader challenges in maternity services, including support for women during labour and staffing pressures in some NHS trusts.
While natural vaginal birth remains more common among younger mothers, caesareans are now the predominant delivery method for women aged 30 and over — and especially for those over 40 — according to the latest statistics.
BBC