Rising Risks in England's Maternity Services

Women in England are currently facing the highest risk of serious injury during childbirth since records began in 2020. According to the latest figures from the NHS, the rate of women suffering from the most severe type of tear during birth rose to 31.1 for every 1,000 births in early 2026. Data also shows that the rate of postpartum haemorrhage—a medical term for losing a large amount of blood after giving birth—reached its highest annual level in 2025.

These statistics have sparked a serious debate about the safety of maternity services across the country. Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, described the situation as a national crisis. She noted that behind these numbers are women who have experienced deep trauma, often requiring surgery and long periods of recovery. Some mothers may never fully recover from these injuries, she added.

While the numbers are alarming, some experts suggest there may be more than one reason for the rise. Dr. Kim Thomas, chief executive of the Birth Trauma Association, explained that the increase might partly be due to better diagnosis. The NHS has recently introduced new guidelines, known as a “care bundle,” which encourage hospitals to identify and treat injuries more quickly than in the past. However, Dr. Thomas also noted that other factors, such as the age of mothers and the frequent use of medical tools like forceps to help deliver babies, could also be contributing to the higher injury rates.

Government officials have expressed concern over these findings. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that the report into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals, which was published recently, showed that too many women are being failed by poor quality care. In response to these ongoing challenges, the government has decided to expand “Martha’s Rule” to every maternity and neonatal unit in England. This rule gives women and parents the right to ask for a second opinion if they are worried about the care being provided to a mother or her baby.

Pressure is now mounting for the government to take faster action. Officials are currently preparing for the release of a government-commissioned report by Lady Amos, which is expected to provide a detailed look at the state of childbirth care. There is also widespread speculation that Donna Ockenden, a senior midwife and expert who recently led a major investigation into a maternity scandal in Nottingham, may be appointed as the country's first maternity commissioner. Such a role would give her the power to oversee necessary improvements in safety and quality across the NHS.

Despite the national concerns, some hospitals are finding ways to improve. At Queen’s Hospital in Romford, staff have worked hard to turn around their service after receiving a “requires improvement” rating. For patients like Juliana Nascimento Barbosa, the care provided by specialized teams—including mental health support and midwives who speak their native language—has made a significant difference. Her experience highlights how important it is for hospitals to have the right staff and support systems in place to manage complex births safely.

Childbirth has become increasingly complex, often requiring more medical intervention to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. At Queen’s Hospital, doctors explained that when a baby shows signs of distress, such as passing their first stool while still in the womb, the priority is to deliver the baby as quickly as possible. These "safety-first" decisions are vital, but they also show how high the stakes are for maternity teams every day.

As the government prepares to publish an action plan to transform maternity services by the end of the year, the public is demanding faster results. The combination of rising injury rates and high-profile scandals has created a sense of urgency that cannot be ignored. Whether through better staffing, improved training, or stronger oversight, the message from advocates is clear: safety must become the top priority for maternity care in England to prevent further trauma for families.