NHS maternity services face safety scandal as childbirth injuries hit record high

New analysis of NHS data reveals a record number of women are suffering life-altering injuries during childbirth. In the first six months of this year, nearly 8,000 women experienced severe postpartum haemorrhages, a figure that has more than doubled compared to the same period five years ago.

Data indicates that between April and June, 33 women per 1,000 births lost more than 1.5 litres of blood. Additionally, serious third or fourth-degree vaginal tears, which often require surgery, have increased by 29 per cent since 2021, affecting three in every 100 women undergoing vaginal births.

The Liberal Democrats, who commissioned the study, described the findings as a ‘devastating indictment of our NHS maternity services,’ citing staffing shortages and training gaps as primary drivers. Findings from the Care Quality Commission also suggest that one in 10 women were left alone during the later stages of labour. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, called for urgent action from Health Secretary Yvette Cooper to address these safety concerns and staffing levels.