Birth rate rises

The number of births in England rose by more than 10,000 last year, increasing concerns over midwife numbers.

The NHS’s digital Hospital Maternity Activity report states that during 2015-2016, there were 648,107 deliveries in NHS hospitals, increasing 1.8% from 2014-2015. Of these births, births to mothers under the age of 20 have halved over the past decade, whilst births to mothers age 40 and over have increased by 12.7%.

The RCM Director of Midwifery, Louise Silverton, has commented on the report, and highlights the shortage of midwives in England :

“This report again reveals an increase in births across all NHS hospitals unfortunately England remains 3500 midwives short and if we are to provide the highest level of maternity care we must have enough midwives in place to deliver the best and safest possible care for all women…Births to older mothers are increasing and there are many reasons why women become pregnant later in life. Often older women who become pregnant may require more care throughout their pregnancy”.