Caesarean births are rising worldwide, but the UK has one of the highest rates in Europe, with the fastest increase in recent years.
In England, 42% of all births are now by caesarean section compared with 29% five years ago.
Rates have gone up particularly steeply since the end of 2021, when they were at 35%. International evidence shows that national caesarean section rates over 10-15% are not associated with benefits and could harm some healthy mothers and babies.
