Recent data reveals a troubling trend in maternity care across England, with women at an unprecedented risk of serious injuries during childbirth. The latest figures indicate that the incidence of severe perineal tears and postpartum haemorrhages have reached alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for improvements in care standards.
Alarming Statistics on Birth Injuries
The NHS has reported that the rate of women experiencing third- and fourth-degree perineal tears during childbirth has escalated to 31.1 per 1,000 births as of early 2026. This represents a significant increase from 25 per 1,000 at the inception of monitoring in June 2020. Similarly, the rate of postpartum haemorrhage, defined as the loss of 1.5 litres of blood or more, has risen from 25.6 per 1,000 to 31.2 per 1,000 births.
Helen Morgan, the health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, who obtained these figures from NHS England, stated, “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.” She emphasised the need for immediate action, declaring that maternity services should be treated as a national crisis. “We will not reverse this dangerous, unacceptable trend until we make safety a priority,” Morgan asserted.
Government Response and Upcoming Reports
As pressure mounts, NHS leaders and government officials are preparing to release a report by Lady Amos, commissioned to assess the state of childbirth care. This report, due to be published on Tuesday, is expected to add to the growing demand for comprehensive reforms in maternity services to enhance safety and care quality.
There is speculation that Donna Ockenden—an esteemed midwife and safety expert who has recently published a critical report on the NHS’s largest maternity scandal—may soon be appointed as the first maternity commissioner. Her role would involve overseeing vital improvements in care standards and safety protocols.
Concerns Over Data Gaps
Despite the urgency of the situation, there are significant concerns regarding the accuracy of the data being reported. Investigations revealed that over 85,000 births from the 2024-25 period—equating to nearly 15%—are missing from the NHS’s Hospital Episodes Statistics dataset. This lack of comprehensive data hampers efforts to identify and address areas needing improvement.
Clare Livingstone, head of professional policy and practice at the Royal College of Midwives, remarked, “Incomplete data is a fundamental barrier to improving maternity care. Without a full picture of what is happening before, during, and after birth, it is much harder to identify where action is needed.”
Dr. Kim Thomas, the chief executive of the Birth Trauma Association, acknowledged that increased incidents of tears could be attributed to improved diagnostic practices. However, she also noted that factors such as the increasing age of mothers, the demographics of women giving birth, and the frequent use of forceps could contribute to the rising rates of injury.
The Need for Action
In response to these concerning trends, the Department of Health and Social Care has expressed its alarm. A spokesperson stated, “These are concerning findings, and last week’s shocking report into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals trust underlined that too many women are being failed by poor quality maternity care.” The government has committed to expanding Martha’s Rule, allowing women and parents the right to seek a second opinion regarding the care of mothers and their babies in all maternity and neonatal units throughout England.
Why it Matters
The rising rates of serious birth injuries highlight a critical need for immediate reform in maternity services across England. Women deserve safe, high-quality care during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. As the government prepares to unveil its action plan, it is imperative that stakeholders prioritise safety and transparency to restore public trust in maternity services. The wellbeing of mothers and their newborns depends on swift and effective changes to the current system.