What is the latest trend in maternal age for births in Scotland?

Last year, over a quarter of women giving birth in Scotland were aged 35 or older, a record high in 20 years.

Have Caesarean section rates increased in Scotland?

Yes, Caesarean section births in Scotland are at their highest since 2005-06, with elective C-sections rising faster.

Which Scottish health board has the highest C-section rate?

NHS Grampian has reported the highest rate of C-section births, planned or emergency, for the third consecutive year.

Home / Health / Scotland Sees Record Older Mothers & C-Section Births

Scotland Sees Record Older Mothers & C-Section Births

25 Nov

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Summary

Over a quarter of women giving birth in Scotland last year were aged 35 or older.
C-section births reached their highest number since 2005-06.
NHS Grampian reported the highest rate of C-section births for the third consecutive year.

Scotland Sees Record Older Mothers & C-Section Births

New figures reveal a significant shift in maternity trends across Scotland, with a record number of women aged 35 and over giving birth last year. This demographic now accounts for over a quarter of all maternities, marking the highest proportion in two decades. The data also indicates a rise in pregnancies for women aged 40 and above within this older maternal age group.

In parallel, the statistics show a substantial increase in Caesarean section births, reaching their highest point since the 2005-06 period. Both planned and emergency C-sections have risen, with elective procedures increasing at a faster rate. Across health boards, NHS Grampian reported the highest C-section rate for the third consecutive year.

These evolving trends are being addressed by the Scottish Government, which has relaunched a quality improvement program. The initiative aims to enhance maternity care safety, reduce stillbirths and neonatal mortality, and examine the increasing rates of C-section births, with a focus on continuity of care for vulnerable mothers and families.