Caesarean Sections Become "Most Common" in the UK - Reflecting the 45% Turning Point in Childbirth and the Current State of the NHS

The "Turning Point" of 45%—Cesarean Sections Become the Most Common in the UK

The phrase "Cesarean sections have become commonplace" has been heard many times before. However, in England, it has become a statistical "fact." According to annual statistics published by NHS Digital, the number of deliveries from April 2024 to March 2025 was 542,235. Of these, 45% were cesarean sections. NHS England Digital

This figure is symbolic not only because cesarean sections have increased. Reports highlight that vaginal deliveries were 44%, and **instrumental deliveries such as forceps or vacuum were 11%**, marking the first time cesarean sections have surpassed so-called "natural vaginal deliveries." The Guardian

The "Mainstream" Shifts at Age 30

Looking at age groups, the outline becomes clearer. According to NHS Digital, spontaneous deliveries are the most common among those under 29, but cesarean sections become the most common for those over 30. Furthermore, **59% of those over 40 undergo cesarean sections**. NHS England Digital

This "age 30 threshold" reflects the reality that pregnancy is moving into a "more complex medical domain" rather than being merely a matter of preference. The increase in older pregnancies, risk factors such as obesity, and the rise in pregnant women with complications tend to sway decisions more towards surgical deliveries than natural ones, as pointed out by multiple reports. The Guardian

The Increase in "Elective Cesarean Sections" and the "Safety Orientation" on the Ground

The breakdown is noteworthy. Reports indicate that among the births in 2024-25, planned (elective) cesarean sections were 20%, and **emergency cesarean sections were 25.1%**, both at record high levels. The Guardian

The debate here is whether the increase is because "it's convenient." In tabloid contexts, the phrase "Too posh to push" resurfaces, while the counterargument is clear. It's not about "convenience" but rather managing anxiety in some cases. An article highlights that distrust in obstetric care and fears of overworked wards and staff shortages have strengthened the preference for "planned surgeries." The Sun

In fact, in the UK, it is indicated that planned cesarean sections by choice can be considered not only for medical indications but also for personal circumstances and wishes (it's not solely for those with "medical reasons"). rcog.org.uk

The "Capacity" of the NHS Behind the Numbers—How Much Has the Strain on Obstetrics Affected It?

Of course, explaining the increase in cesarean sections solely as "individual choice" is risky. Reports raise the possibility that systemic factors, such as the reduction of midwifery systems, staff shortages, and uneven service distribution, are narrowing women's options. The Guardian

Furthermore, NHS Digital's statistics page itself notes that some MSDS data (provider and regional level) have been withdrawn due to data processing issues, suggesting that there are moments when the "visibility" of the situation can fluctuate when evaluating the field. NHS England Digital

In this context, it's natural to see the situation where "safety first" judgments lean towards cesarean sections. For instance, the length of hospital stay after childbirth varies significantly depending on the delivery method. According to NHS Digital, 75% of those with natural deliveries are discharged the same day or the next day, whereas **only 45% of cesarean sections** are discharged within that timeframe. When medical resources are strained, there may be an incentive to prefer planned surgeries with predictable hospital stays, a speculation often discussed on social media. NHS England Digital

On Social Media, the Reaction Was More About "Words" Than "Numbers"

In this topic, the most heated discussions on social media were not about the pros and cons of the statistics but about the word "natural." The reactions can be broadly categorized into four types.

1) "Cesarean sections are also childbirth. Don't divide by natural/unnatural."
The phrase "natural delivery" has long been criticized for making cesarean sections or painless deliveries feel "unnatural = inferior." In fact, following these numbers, there were opinion pieces criticizing that the vocabulary of "natural" creates "shame." Glamour UK

On social media, this is often condensed into short phrases like

• "What is the word 'natural' for?"

• "Of course, it's 'giving birth' even with surgery."
  making it easy to spread.

2) "Planned cesarean sections are not an 'escape,' but risk management."
Those who have experienced traumatic births or severe anxiety are more likely to express a desire to "plan and feel secure next time." Reports also introduce examples where elective cesarean sections are discussed not as "luxury" but as a crucial safety measure. The Sun

3) "The increase is a result of the aging and complication of maternal bodies."
On the other hand, there is a strong voice emphasizing medical factors over "personal preferences." The fact that cesarean sections become the majority for those over 30 and reach 59% for those over 40 is also a consequence of lifestyle changes. NHS England Digital

4) "Ultimately, isn't NHS staff shortages distorting 'choices'?"
This is the most political point. On social media, suspicions such as "Obstetrics is too busy to aim for 'natural'" and "Cesarean sections are increasing due to hospital convenience" are common. Reports also discuss the possibility that pressure from service providers is affecting women's options. The Guardian

So, Is This "Reversal" Bad News?

In conclusion, it's not a simple matter of good or bad. Cesarean sections are surgical procedures and come with burdens such as longer recovery times, but they can be directly linked to the safety of mother and child depending on the situation. The important thing is not to "reduce/increase cesarean sections," but to ensure that those who need them can receive them safely when needed, and those who wish to can choose them with sufficient explanation. rcog.org.uk

In that sense, the current statistics challenge the UK to move beyond the binary opposition of "natural or surgical" childbirth and address larger issues such as how to share birth plans with medical professionals and how to rebuild the capacity of the field.

In fact, surveys on experiences in obstetric care are continuously conducted in the UK (such as the CQC's maternity survey), and there is a movement to examine the system not only from the perspective of "numbers" but also from the perspective of "experience." Care Quality Commission

Finally—The "Real Issue" Revealed by Social Media

The figure of 45% is striking. However, what ignited social media was not the size of the numbers but the "structure of words that hurt people."
The label "natural" blames those who had no choice.
The assumption of "luxury" makes fear and trauma invisible.

Above all, regardless of the method, childbirth prioritizes the "outcome."
Ensuring that it is safe, satisfactory, and respectful—statistics should be used to protect this fundamental right. Glamour UK