MSDS provider and region level data
Due to an error found in data processing, we have removed some data in the MSDS csv file at provider and region levels for the Booking and Delivery based measures. As a result, the usual Power BI dashboard has not been produced for this publication.
We are investigating the scale and impact of this issue and will provide an update when possible.
It is likely this will also affect the MSDS csv data file and Power BI dashboard in previous NHS Maternity Statistics annual publications which should be used with caution.
16 December 2025 09:30 AM
HES maternity data for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Additional data quality notes regarding HES maternity data for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have been added to the 'Known issues' section on the Further information page and the HES Provider Level Analysis file.
4 March 2026 11:00 AM
Deliveries in 2024-25
Anaesthetic or analgesic use
An anaesthetic or analgesic may be administered during labour to provide pain relief.
Overall the proportion of deliveries where an anaesthetic or analgesic was administered before or during delivery has decreased from 60 per cent in 2014-15 to 57 per cent of deliveries in 2024-25. An anaesthetic or analgesic was administered in 53 per cent of deliveries for women aged under 20, compared to 60 per cent aged 40 years and over, in 2024-25.
Method of delivery, and age of mother
This is the method of delivery, distinct from the type of onset of labour. Where labour is spontaneous or induced, the final method of delivery may be spontaneous, with instrumental assistance, or by caesarean, based on clinical circumstances and decisions.
The most common method of delivery is spontaneous for women aged 29 and under. The most common method of delivery for women aged 30 and over was caesarean. The proportion of caesarean deliveries increases with age group and accounts for 59 per cent of deliveries to those women aged 40 and over.
Delivery complications
In 2024-25 the most prevalent delivery complications were ‘Perineal laceration during delivery’ which occurred in 35 per cent of deliveries and 'Maternal care for other known or suspected fetal problems' which occurred in 32 per cent of deliveries.
Method of delivery, and postnatal stay
The number of days that women spend in hospital after giving birth varies by the method of delivery.
In 2024-25, 75 per cent of women who had a spontaneous method of delivery were discharged either the same day or the next day after delivery. This compares to 52 per cent for instrumental and 45 per cent for caesarean methods of delivery.
Last edited: 4 March 2026 11:00 am