Health
Mothers face post-surgery care shortages as caesarean rates climb
Caesarean deliveries reach over 40% in England and Wales amid staffing strains, BBC News reports.
The short version
- Recent figures indicate that 42% of births in Wales in 2025 and approximately 45% in England were delivered via caesarean section.[BBC News]
- The Royal College of Midwives warned that maternity units have failed to adjust to the sharp rise in surgical deliveries, with 94% of surveyed Welsh members reporting they cannot deliver ideal care.[BBC News]
- A February Welsh government report warned that the broader impacts of surging inductions and caesareans remain unevaluated, though officials have promised tailored postnatal support.[BBC News]
Key facts
- In 2025, 42% of infants born in Wales were delivered by caesarean section, with more than half being emergency procedures.[BBC News]
- Roughly 45% of deliveries in England occur via caesarean section.[BBC News]
- A Welsh government report published in February noted that the impacts of rapid increases in caesareans and inductions had not been evaluated.[BBC News]
- A July survey by the Royal College of Midwives found that 94% of Welsh respondents felt unable to provide the level of care they desired.[BBC News]
- The Welsh government stated that every woman should receive tailored, high-quality postnatal care.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The broader consequences of the rapid rise in inductions and caesarean sections on women, families, and NHS services remain formally unevaluated.[BBC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.