A quarter of all babies in England are now delivered by emergency caesarean operations, BBC analysis shows - marking a significant rise over the last five years.
The unplanned surgeries have increased by eight percentage points, while the rate of elective caesareans has also increased.
At the same time, the rate of vaginal births without instruments has fallen - from more than half of all deliveries to 43%.
Prof Marian Knight, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, which researches the care of women and babies in pregnancy and birth, says the rise represents a "total change in how women give birth" in England, and that it has not been replicated in other European countries.
The NHS does not publish data on why an emergency C-section is performed, and experts say there is no single, clear explanation for the increase.
However, some have told the BBC they are concerned a culture of fear in maternity units and among pregnant women is driving up the number of procedures.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which represents maternity doctors, says pressure on staff and operating theatres means the system is "really struggling" to meet the increased demand.
NHS England says "decisions are made by considering individual circumstances and clinical advice to ensure the safest and most appropriate approach for each birth".
Source: BBC News, 5 June 2026
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