Birth after induction

Which type of birth are you likely to have?

Which type of birth are you likely to have?

Between 2023 and 2024, in England: 50-60 in 100 women who are induced will have a vaginal delivery without assistance (instrumental birth or caesarean section).  Between 15-16 in 100 women will have an instrumental birth and about 28 in 100 women will have an unplanned caesarean section during their induction.

Comparative array diagrams showing 50-60 pregnant women of 100 filled in - 50-60 in 100 women who are induced have a vaginal birth without assistance.Comparative array diagrams showing 15-16 pregnant women of 100 filled in - 15-16 in 100 women who are induced have an instrumental birth.

28 in 100 women will have an unplanned caesarean section during their induction.

To compare this to all births – about 43 in 100 women will have a vaginal delivery without assistance, 10 in 100 women will have an instrumental birth, and about 44 in 100 women have a caesarean birth (planned, unplanned or emergency).


References:

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2021). Overview/ Inducing Labour/ Guidance/ NICE. (online) www.nice.org.uk

  2. NHS Maternity Statistics, England, 2023-24 - NHS England Digital – accessed 14/03//2025

  3. NHS Maternity Statistics, 2024-25. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-maternity-statistics/2024-25