Overview
- Caesareans accounted for 45% of deliveries in England in 2024–25, compared with 44% unassisted vaginal births and 11% assisted births, according to data published Tuesday.
- Planned caesareans made up 20% of all births and emergency procedures 25.1%, with both shares reaching record highs.
- For women aged 30 and over, caesarean was the most common delivery method, rising to 59% among those aged 40 and above.
- Rates vary sharply by area and income, with wealthier populations more likely to have elective procedures and Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust recording an 80% caesarean rate.
- The shift follows 2011 guidance enabling elective requests and the 2022 removal of limits on caesareans, as total deliveries fell to a 25-year low of 542,235 and the RCOG stresses theatre capacity and staffing for safety.