Recent NHS data indicates that the rate of serious birth injuries among women in England has reached its highest level since 2020. In the first quarter of this year, 31.1 per 1,000 women experienced severe tears during childbirth, alongside a rise in postpartum haemorrhage rates to 31.2 per 1,000 births, marking a significant increase over the past five years.
The situation has prompted calls for urgent reforms in maternity services, with a government report expected to outline necessary improvements. Experts highlight issues such as incomplete birth records and the need for better data to enhance care quality and safety.