The rate of women readmitted to hospital within six weeks of giving birth has risen by more than a third in less than three years, HSJ analysis of unpublished data suggests.
New figures from the Care Quality Commission show maternal readmissions rose from 85 per 1,000 women (equivalent to one in 12) between October and December 2022 to 117 per 1,000 (more than one in nine) between July and September 2025, the latest data available.
The data, derived from hospital episode statistics and used to inform its State of Care report, shows the rate rose in 10 of the 11 quarters after October to December 2022, and is the highest since the series began.
The Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the recent surge in caesarean sections may play a role, as they can carry a higher risk of postnatal complications. They also pointed to staffing gaps in postnatal services, alongside capacity pressures in community and primary care services.
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Source: HSJ, 5 November 2026
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