UK maternity wards see record surge in severe birth injuries and staffing crises

Data from the Care Quality Commission, examined by the Liberal Democrats, indicate that roughly one in ten women giving birth in the UK are left alone during the crucial late stages of labour, amounting to about 54,000 mothers annually. Severe third- and fourth-degree tears now occur in three out of every 100 vaginal deliveries, a 29% increase since 2021, and the first half of 2026 recorded the highest rates of life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage, with 33 women per thousand losing more than 1.5 litres of blood.

The crisis is attributed to chronic shortages of senior midwives and consultant obstetricians, compounded by staff lacking proper training to interpret CTG heart-rate monitors and identify at-risk patients. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene, blaming years of Conservative austerity for the deteriorating maternity services. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the health secretary, chairing the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, will prioritize reforms to improve safety for mothers and babies.