Rising concerns over safety in England’s maternity services

Women in England are currently facing the highest risk of suffering serious injuries during childbirth since records began in 2020, according to new data from the NHS. The figures show that the rate of the most serious types of tears during birth rose to 31.1 in every 1,000 cases during the first three months of 2026. Additionally, the rate of postpartum haemorrhage—a medical term for severe blood loss after giving birth—reached its highest annual level in 2025. These statistics have caused significant concern among health officials and political leaders.

Helen Morgan, a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat party, described the situation as a national crisis. She noted that behind these numbers are women experiencing deep trauma, often requiring surgery and long periods of recovery. According to The Guardian, some of these women may never fully recover from their injuries. The Department of Health and Social Care has expressed its concern, stating that too many women are currently being failed by poor-quality care. This follows a recent and shocking report regarding maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals, which highlighted deep-rooted problems within the system.

There is growing pressure on the government to act quickly. Officials are preparing to publish a report by Lady Amos, which is expected to demand major changes to how childbirth care is managed. There is also widespread speculation that Donna Ockenden, a leading expert who recently investigated the Nottingham scandal, may be appointed as the first national maternity commissioner. Her role would be to oversee improvements in safety and quality across the country. While the government has promised an action plan by the end of the year, many are calling for these changes to happen much sooner.

However, experts suggest that the situation is complex. Dr. Kim Thomas, chief executive of the Birth Trauma Association, explained that the rising numbers might not only reflect worsening care. She noted that the NHS has recently introduced new guidelines to help hospitals diagnose and treat injuries more quickly. This means that more injuries are being recorded than in the past. Dr. Thomas also pointed out that other factors, such as the age of mothers and the frequent use of tools like forceps to help deliver babies, could contribute to the higher injury rates.

Despite these national challenges, some hospitals are finding ways to improve. At Queen’s Hospital in Romford, staff have been working hard to turn around their service ratings. For patients like Juliana Nascimento Barbosa, who recently gave birth there, the support of a dedicated team made a significant difference. Juliana experienced a complicated birth that required medical help, but she felt safe and supported because of the care provided by her midwife and a maternal mental health specialist who could speak her native language.

Dr. Kathryn Tompsett, head of maternity care at Queen’s, explained that modern childbirth often requires quick medical decisions to keep both mother and baby safe. When signs of distress appear, such as a baby passing waste in the womb, doctors must act within minutes to prevent long-term harm. This focus on "safety-first" medicine is essential, as the consequences of a wrong decision can be life-changing for families and very costly for the NHS.

To help address these concerns, the government recently decided to expand a policy known as “Martha’s Rule” to every maternity unit in England. This rule gives women and their families the right to ask for a second opinion if they are worried about the care they or their baby are receiving. This is seen as a vital step in empowering parents and ensuring that concerns are heard before a situation becomes dangerous.

As the government prepares its transformation plan, the focus remains on how to balance the need for medical intervention with the goal of keeping birth as safe as possible. With investigations into maternity services in other areas, such as Leeds and Sussex, still ongoing, the pressure on the NHS to deliver lasting change is higher than ever. For now, the priority for health leaders is to move beyond reports and statistics to create a system where every mother and baby can receive the safe, high-quality care they deserve.