A NEW HSE report shows that the number of women who received caesarean sections jumped from 29.6% of all women in 2014 to 40.6% in 2024.

The report, which reviewed data from Ireland’s 19 maternity hospitals, also highlighted an increase in the rates of inductions of labour, which increased by almost 10% between 2014 and 2024 (38.5%).

The data also showed a drop of over 20% in the numbers of births over the past 11 years, while the number of deliveries resulting in multiple births has also decreased.

Cliona Murphy, Clinical Director of the HSE National Women’s and Infants Programme said the data is used to improve the quality and safety of maternity care in Ireland.

There has been a significant increase in the rate of ectopic pregnancies, which is when the embryo attaches outside the uterus. The pregnancy complication has increased from 11.9 per 1,000 women to 18.9 over the past 11 years.

Ectopic pregnancy ruptures are a leading cause of death for women within the first trimester of pregnancy.

There has been a small drop in the rate of assisted vaginal deliveries, which is when instruments like forceps or a vacuum extractor is used to help deliver a baby.

In 2014, 15.5% of all women giving birth required assisted vaginal delivery, in comparison to 13.8% in 2024.

There has also been a decline in the rates of neonatal encephalopathy (NE), a syndrome impacting neurological function in babies.

The serious pregnancy complication eclampsia is declining, reaching a low of 0.11 per 1,000 women in 2020.

There has also been a slight decline in severe third and fourth degree perineal tears since 2014.

The tears impacted just 1.89% of all vaginal deliveries in 2024, which the report said may be indication of improvements in obstetric care.

The rate of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has fluctuated over the years but has remained static overall.