Serious Childbirth Injuries Rising Among Women in england, Scotland & Wales
London – A growing number of women in England, Scotland, and Wales are experiencing severe childbirth injuries, known as Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI), according to recent findings and expert warnings. These injuries, which can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on quality of life, include pelvic pain, difficulties with bodily functions, psychosexual dysfunction, and mental health challenges like postnatal depression and PTSD.
The National Maternity and Perinatal audit report revealed that 3.29% of women who gave birth vaginally in 2023 suffered a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear – the most serious classifications of such injuries. These deeper tears require surgical repair in an operating theater and necessitate a longer recovery period.
“OASI injuries are life-changing and can have a devastating impact on quality of life,” stated Oliver, a leading voice in the discussion surrounding these injuries. “Symptoms can include: pelvic pain; difficulty controlling urine, faeces and wind; problems with bonding and establishing breastfeeding; psychosexual dysfunction; relationship or career breakdown; and mental health problems, including postnatal depression, anxiety, PTSD and secondary tokophobia, a fear of another pregnancy and birth.”
Dr. Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), emphasized that while most tears are minor and heal quickly, deeper tears require more intensive intervention. She added that all maternity units should be utilizing the ”OASI care bundle” – a risk assessment tool developed with RCOG’s assistance – but implementation is not consistent.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the trauma associated with these injuries and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve maternity care, including a national maternity investigation and the establishment of a national taskforce, alongside investments in perinatal pelvic health services.
This article was amended on 17 October 2025. An earlier version incorrectly stated the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit report found that 3.29% of women who gave birth vaginally in England,Scotland and Wales in 2023 suffered a perineal tear “of some sort”; this was actually the percentage who suffered a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear.
