Rising Risk of Severe Bleeding After Childbirth in England

The risk of severe bleeding after childbirth in England has reached its highest level in five years, raising significant concerns about the quality of NHS maternity care. According to NHS England data analyzed by the Liberal Democrats, the rate of postpartum haemorrhage has increased from 27 per 1,000 births in 2020 to 32 per 1,000 in 2025, marking a 19% rise. The total number of incidents reported last year was 16,780, the highest since records began, despite a decline in the overall number of births. This increase highlights a troubling trend, as the figures for previous years were 15,780 in 2023 and 15,230 in 2022.

The Guardian

Postpartum haemorrhage, defined as a loss of at least 1.5 liters (2.6 pints) of blood after delivery, is a leading cause of maternal death globally and accounts for approximately 7% of maternal deaths in the UK. Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrats’ health spokesperson, expressed alarm over the rising risk, stating, “The growing risk to mothers of suffering serious and potentially fatal bleeding following childbirth is terrifying.”

The Guardian

Experts attribute the rising incidence of postpartum haemorrhage to several factors, including an increase in obesity rates and a higher number of older women giving birth. These factors contribute to more complex pregnancies, which can elevate the risk of complications such as heavy bleeding. While most women do not experience severe haemorrhage, the growing number of women entering childbirth with conditions like high blood pressure is concerning.

The Guardian

In light of these alarming statistics, the Liberal Democrats are advocating for a comprehensive “maternity rescue plan” to ensure that all maternity units meet the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) standards for safety and care. The party criticized the government for failing to implement recommendations from previous maternity inquiries, with 60 MPs signing a letter urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to take immediate action.

The Guardian

Baroness Valerie Amos, who is leading a government-commissioned investigation into maternity care, noted that many of the 750 recommendations made over the past decade remain unaddressed, calling the situation “staggering.” In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the failures in maternity and neonatal services, stating that the secretary of state has ordered a rapid review and will chair a new national taskforce to tackle these deep-rooted issues.

The Guardian

The Liberal Democrats have emphasized the need for urgent reforms, with Morgan stating that the rising rates of postpartum haemorrhage will instill fear among families. Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Social Care has refrained from commenting directly on the Liberal Democrats' findings but acknowledged the need for improvements in maternity care.

The Guardian

“Every birth involves risk, but rising rates of these incidents will be a source of real fear for women and families across the country.” — Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrats’ Health Spokesperson

The Guardian

“It’s completely heartbreaking to see just how many families experience unacceptable injuries and trauma at a time that should be full of excitement and joy.” — Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrats’ Health Spokesperson

The Guardian

“They said only that: “As Baroness Amos set out this week, too many families have been let down by maternity and neonatal services, with devastating consequences.” — Department of Health and Social Care Spokesperson

The Guardian

“Lady Amos said last week that it was “staggering” that many of the 750 recommendations made over the last decade had not been put into practice.” — Baroness Valerie Amos

The Guardian