Recent data from NHS England reveals a troubling trend: the risk of severe birth-related injuries for women has reached unprecedented levels. The statistics indicate that in early 2026, approximately 31.1 out of every 1,000 women experienced major perineal tears during childbirth, while the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage climbed to 31.2 in the same cohort. This unsettling pattern has prompted health experts and politicians to call for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and quality of maternity services across the nation.
Escalating Rates of Birth Trauma
The figures released show a stark increase in the occurrence of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears compared to previous years. Since the initial reporting of these rates in June 2020, the numbers have surged from 25 per 1,000 births to their current level. Similarly, postpartum haemorrhage, which can result in significant blood loss, has escalated from 25.6 to 31.65 per 1,000 births over the same period. These figures highlight a growing concern within the healthcare community about the quality of maternity care available to expectant mothers.
Helen Morgan, the health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, has expressed her alarm regarding these statistics, stating, “Behind these statistics are women going through unimaginable trauma, requiring surgery and, in many cases, months or even years of recovery. Some will never fully recover.” Morgan’s comments underscore the urgent need for the government to prioritise safety in maternity services and address this escalating crisis.
Government Response and Upcoming Reports
In light of these distressing statistics, NHS leaders and government officials are preparing for the release of Lady Amos’s comprehensive report on the state of childbirth care, which is set to be published soon. This report is anticipated to shed further light on the systemic issues plaguing maternity services and is expected to bolster calls for major reforms. The government has hinted at the appointment of Donna Ockenden, a prominent midwife and childbirth safety advocate, as the first maternity commissioner. Ockenden is currently investigating further childbirth scandals in Leeds and Sussex and is expected to play a pivotal role in overseeing the necessary improvements.
The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the troubling rise in birth injuries, with a spokesperson stating, “These are concerning findings… too many women are being failed by poor-quality maternity care.” In a bid to empower patients, the government has decided to expand Martha’s Rule, allowing women to seek second opinions regarding their care in all maternity and neonatal units across England.
The Role of Data in Maternity Care Improvement
A significant barrier to improving maternity care has been identified as the incompleteness of birth data recorded by the NHS. Reports indicate that outcomes for over 85,000 births in 2024–25 were missing from NHS records, representing 14.8% of total deliveries. Furthermore, an additional 100,000 outcomes from 2023–24 were also unaccounted for. This lack of comprehensive data encompasses critical information such as delivery methods, birth weights, and gestational ages—all essential for identifying trends and areas requiring intervention.
Clare Livingstone, head of professional policy and practice at the Royal College of Midwives, emphasised the importance of accurate data collection: “Without a full picture of what is happening before, during and after birth, it is much harder to identify where action is needed.” The incomplete dataset presents a significant hurdle in efforts to enhance maternity services and ensure the safety of mothers and newborns.
Understanding the Causes and Implications
Experts speculate that the rising rates of severe tears may not solely indicate a decline in maternity care quality; rather, they may reflect improved diagnostic practices within the NHS. Initiatives aimed at enhancing the rapid diagnosis and treatment of such injuries could be contributing to the observed increase. Additionally, demographic factors, including the age of mothers and the prevalence of forceps-assisted deliveries, may also play a role in the uptick in birth injuries.
Yet, the overarching concern remains: the deteriorating quality of maternity services must be addressed with urgency. As the government prepares its action plan for reform, there is mounting pressure for immediate and effective steps to enhance the safety and quality of care provided to expectant mothers.
Why it Matters
The implications of these rising birth injury rates extend far beyond statistics; they represent the real-life experiences of women facing trauma during one of the most critical moments of their lives. The call for urgent reform is not merely a political issue but a pressing public health concern that demands attention. Ensuring safe, high-quality maternity care is essential for the wellbeing of mothers and infants alike, and addressing these challenges head-on will be crucial in fostering a healthcare environment that prioritises safety and support for all women.
