Birth Outcomes in the Lothians: 2024 Maternity Trends Explained

Joy
May 3
5 min read

Pregnant in West Lothian, Edinburgh or Central Scotland?

This blog breaks down the 2024 NHS Lothian birth statistics in a clear, calm and supportive way. From caesarean rates to induction trends, we explore what’s common locally and what it might mean for your own birth journey. Real insight, not overwhelm, from a trusted local antenatal educator.

When you’re pregnant, it can feel like everyone has an opinion, from well-meaning friends to random online forums, but what often gets missed is real, local information. The kind that helps you feel grounded and gently reassured, rather than overwhelmed.

It’s natural to want clarity. You may be asking:

“What kind of birth might I have?”
“Is what I’m feeling normal?”
“How do local births actually unfold?”

That’s why I love exploring birth trends - not for the sake of statistics (and I’ll be honest, I’m not really a numbers gal), but because behind each number is a real family. A real story. A real moment of decision - and hopefully, a real moment of feeling listened to and respected.

So, if you’re pregnant in West Lothian, Falkirk, Edinburgh or anywhere in Central Scotland, this post is for you. Let’s look at what the newly released 2024 birth stats tell us and how that knowledge might gently support you in the months ahead as you prepare for the birth of your baby and explore your birth options in NHS Lothian and beyond.

Having supported thousands of parents locally over the past 20 years, I’ve seen how valuable this kind of real-world data can be, when it’s shared with care.

Birth in NHS Lothian: What the 2024 Data Shows

Across 2024, only about 42-46% of births were spontaneous vaginal births. That means over half involved interventions - planned or unplanned. That’s why we spend time in my antenatal course exploring all the possibilities, so you feel ready, not thrown.

Here’s what the latest local birth outcomes for 2024 look like across NHS Lothian and how they compare to the wider Scottish picture:

Key Figures from NHS Lothian:

Spontaneous vaginal birth – Around 42–46%

Unplanned caesarean birth – 25% to 27.5% higher than the Scottish average of 21–23%.

Planned caesarean birth – 16–18%.

Assisted vaginal births – 13–15.5% (Includes forceps or ventouse).

Induction of labour – Around 30%, slightly lower than the Scottish average of 35–37%.

3rd/4th degree perineal tears – Peaking at 7.3%, consistently higher than the national average.

Looking at statistics like these can stir up a mix of feelings - concern, maybe even a bit of anxiety or disappointment and that’s completely normal. It’s one thing to see numbers on a page; it’s another to realise they might reflect your own upcoming experience. But here’s the thing: these figures aren’t here to tell you what will happen, they’re here to remind you that birth unfolds in many different ways, and that you're not alone in navigating it.

These trends also reflect wider patterns in pregnancy care in Scotland showing how choices and outcomes vary depending on where and how you give birth.

What Do These Stats Actually Mean for You?

Firstly, and most importantly: you are not a statistic. You are a person with your own body, your own baby, and your own story to write.

Here’s what I want you to take from this:

1. Birth paths are diverse and every one is valid

If more than 50% of local births involve intervention, whether caesarean, induction, or assistance, then there is no one “right” or “natural” path. That’s why in my antenatal courses, we spend time exploring all types of birth with honesty and care. Real preparation isn’t about sticking to a plan, it’s about understanding your options and feeling confident no matter the path your birth takes.

“I had hoped for a water birth, but ended up with an assisted delivery after an induction. What made the difference was that I knew what to expect and I felt calm. I didn’t panic.” - Past course participant, Linlithgow

2. Inductions are common but you have choices - including saying no

Induction is not merely a medical procedure; it is a journey that, for some expectant parents, can last several days. Locally, for about 1 in 3 parents, birth starts with induction. However, many attend their antenatal classes uncertain about what induction entails and whether they must consent to it or if they have the option to decline. (By the way, declining is definitely an option!)

In our sessions, we talk through it with practical, grounded detail, from the different methods used (pessaries, gels, balloon catheter, ARM), to how it can feel emotionally, and what it might mean for your birth partner.

It’s never about pushing you toward one choice, it’s about helping you feel less blindsided and more steady.

same sex couple with one of them pregnant

3. Birth partners matter more than ever

With so many births involving unexpected turns, having a supportive, informed birth partner can make all the difference. In fact, one of the things I hear most often from past clients is how empowered their partners felt after the course.

Whether it’s helping with decision-making, offering hands-on comfort, or just feeling included, we make sure they feel ready too.

“It helped us feel like a team. My partner knew what questions to ask, and I felt like I wasn’t carrying it all myself." - First-time mum on antenatal course September '24

4. Recovery deserves real attention

Perineal tears, especially the more serious 3rd/4th degree ones, are happening at higher rates in our local area. That’s not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to advocate for informed consent, trauma-sensitive care, and ongoing postnatal support. These are all conversations we have openly and gently in our courses as well as looking at ways you can minimise the chance of this happening.

"Only 42–46% of births in Lothian were spontaneous vaginal deliveries in 2024”

Bringing It All Back to You

Even when you're surrounded by information, it’s completely normal to feel unsure, especially when everyone seems to have a different view. The truth is, you don’t need all the answers right now. You just need a place to explore your options, ask questions, and feel supported.

When I was pregnant, I remember feeling like I had to pick a “birth identity” - natural, ok with all the drugs, caesarean ... as if you had to choose a camp. The things is, birth doesn’t care much for camps. It’s messy, human, surprising and often beautiful in ways we don’t expect.

These statistics remind us that birth is unpredictable, but you are not powerless. With the right support, you can feel steady even when the path shifts. You can feel connected even when you’re in unfamiliar territory. You can make informed choices , not from fear, but from knowledge which is grounded in evidence-based information.

You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re weeks away from birth or just beginning to think about antenatal classes, I want you to know:

You are not just a number.

You are not doing it wrong.

You absolutely do deserve support that’s clear, current and compassionate.

If these stats have sparked questions, let’s chat.If they’ve made you curious, come along to a course and if you’re simply looking for a space where you and your partner feel seen, heard and prepared, I’d love to welcome you.