Now one in four babies is born by cesarean section, Latest NHS data for England It shows.

This ratio has increased continuously in the last decade.

Experts say it’s linked to an “increasing number” of more “complicated” pregnancies – because, for example, the mother is older or obese.

But some mothers are opting for a caesarean section for non-medical reasons – where a surgeon cuts into the mother’s abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby.

In 2013–14, 13% of deliveries were cesarean.

Last year, of the 398,675 deliveries performed by the NHS in England where the method of induction of labor was recorded, 101,264 (25%) were caesareans.

And of those, 67,100 were a planned or “elective” procedure.

Dr Rani Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), said complicated births were a “major factor”.

“We are seeing increasing rates of obesity nationally and people are choosing to have children later in life, both of which may increase the likelihood of complications,” he said.

The likelihood of cesarean increases with the age of the mother.

And for those over the age of 39, it was the most common method of delivery.

Meanwhile, most women under the age of 30 had “spontaneous” vaginal deliveries, without medical intervention to initiate labor.

One third of all deliveries were induced, meaning the delivery was initiated using artificial methods such as hormone drips or pessaries.

RCOG does not promote one form of birth over another.

Experts say women should have the option to give birth whenever possible and safely.

And the NHS recently lifted the limit on how many caesareans it will carry out.

Maternity units were previously encouraged to promote natural births. Keep cesarean rate to around 20%,

But NHS advice now says Women have the right to a planned cesarean If safe.

An NHS spokesperson said: “A caesarean is a major operation which comes with risks, so it is usually carried out when it is the safest option for women and their baby.

“However, some people opt for a C-section for non-medical reasons.

“NHS maternity teams across the country are fully committed to providing all women with the safest and most personalized care, informed by best practice guidance and evidence, to help them achieve the type of birth they want. “