NHS figures show induced labour increase in England

According to figures from NHS Digital, nearly 30 per cent of labour in England is induced, which is a rise from one in five ten years ago.

Experts have said that the increasing numbers of overweight and older mothers is behind the trend.

NHS data shows that in the year 2017-18, natural labours occurred in 52 per cent of hospital deliveries, which was down from 69 per cent in 2007-08.

Consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, Pat O’Brien, said inductions were rising partly because pregnant women over the age of 40 were not allowed to continue past their due date.

“The average age of women given birth is rising all the time” he went on to say.

“They are also more likely to have pre-existing problems, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which create complications.

“And with the rise in obesity, more women are likely to have bigger babies which leads to more inductions.

The figures released by the NHS also show that planned Caesarean births are increasing, rising from 11 per cent in 2007-08 to 16.2 per cent ten years later.

Dr O’Brien added “The majority of elective Caesarean births are performed for medical reasons, such as a baby being in a breech position, and some may be offered in response to maternal choice, which should also be supported.

“Women must be informed about the benefits and risks of the different ways to give birth, which will differ for each woman based on her individual case, pregnancy and medical history, so she can make an informed decision.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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