Rising Risk of Postpartum Haemorrhage Sparks NHS Concerns

The risk of severe bleeding after childbirth in England has reached its highest level in five years, raising significant concerns regarding the quality of NHS maternity care. According to data from NHS England, the rate of postpartum haemorrhage has increased from 27 cases per 1,000 births in 2020 to 32 per 1,000 in 2023, marking a rise of 19%.

This alarming trend comes despite a decrease in the overall number of births. Last year, there were a record 16,780 incidents of postpartum haemorrhage, the highest since NHS records began. In comparison, the figures for 2023 and 2022 were 15,780 and 15,230 incidents, respectively. The data specifically pertains to cases where women lost at least 1.5 litres (2.6 pints) of blood following delivery.

Growing Concern Over Maternity Care

Postpartum haemorrhage is a recognized cause of severe complications related to childbirth. While many women experience some bleeding after delivery, excessive blood loss poses a well-documented risk. It is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally and accounts for approximately one in 14 maternal deaths in the UK.

Helen Morgan, the health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, expressed deep concern about the rising risk for mothers. “The growing risk to mothers of suffering serious and potentially fatal bleeding following childbirth is terrifying,” she stated. “Every birth involves risk, but rising rates of these incidents will be a source of real fear for women and families across the country.”

Morgan also highlighted the emotional toll of these injuries, noting that many families face “unacceptable injuries and trauma at a time that should be full of excitement and joy.”

The findings suggest a decline in the safety and quality of NHS maternity care. Valerie Amos, chair of a government-commissioned inquiry into maternity services, has indicated that some mothers are receiving “unacceptable care,” which has led to “tragic consequences.” The Care Quality Commission has warned that two-thirds of maternity units do not meet sufficient safety standards, contributing to an increase in maternity deaths and serious complications like severe tearing.

Factors Contributing to Increased Risks

Experts in obstetrics and gynaecology have identified various factors contributing to the rise in postpartum haemorrhage cases. Prof Asma Khalil, a consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, pointed out that the complexity of childbirth has increased over recent years. More women are entering pregnancy with risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure, both of which are known to complicate deliveries.

“The reported increase in postpartum haemorrhage is concerning,” Prof Khalil stated. “But it must be understood in the context of births becoming more clinically complex. While most women will not experience a haemorrhage, those with higher body weights or underlying health issues are at increased risk.”

In light of these findings, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a comprehensive “maternity rescue plan” from the Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting. They argue that the failure to implement recommendations from various maternity inquiries over the past decade is an “insult” to families affected by poor care. A letter signed by 60 party MPs emphasized the urgent need for improvements.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care refrained from commenting directly on the Liberal Democrats’ findings but acknowledged the ongoing issues in maternity and neonatal services. “As Baroness Amos set out this week, too many families have been let down by maternity and neonatal services, with devastating consequences,” the spokesperson stated.

The Secretary of State has ordered a rapid review of maternity services and plans to chair a new national maternity and neonatal taskforce to address these persistent challenges, reflecting the urgent need for reform in the sector.