Non-instrumental vaginal birth
Women who have a vaginal birth without intervention tend to have fewer postnatal complications and are more physically able in the short-term to care for their new babies (Rowland and Redshaw 2012). For more information, see Clinical commentary.
This indicator examines non-instrumental vaginal births for selected women giving birth for the first time.
Key findings
Just over 2 in 5 (42%) selected women giving birth for the first time in 2023 had a non‑instrumental vaginal birth.
This proportion:
- decreased from 53% in 2004 to around 42% between 2020 and 2023
- was higher in public hospitals than in private hospitals (45% compared with 30% in 2023)
- was higher for women living in areas of most disadvantage (45%) compared with women living in areas of least disadvantage (38%) in 2023
- was lowest for women living in Major cities (40% in 2023) compared with other remoteness areas.
The trend data presented include years for which the COVID-19 pandemic was considered a public health emergency (2020–2022). The pandemic resulted in changes to the experience of pregnancy and childbirth for many women and their families, though due to the complex nature of the pandemic, its impacts on maternal and perinatal outcomes are still unclear. For more information on non-instrumental vaginal birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, see Method of birth in Maternal and perinatal outcomes during the 2020 and 2021 COVID-19 pandemic.
The interactive data visualisation (Figure 6) presents data on unassisted vaginal birth for selected women giving birth for the first time. Use the drop-down menu to view data by selected characteristics and the latest year button to explore data for 2023.
Figure 6: Non-instrumental vaginal birth
This data visualisation presents data on non-instrumental vaginal birth. Interactive charts show proportions for the most recent data and over time, for selected demographic and birth characteristics.
Clinical commentary
A vaginal birth is usually the safest option for women with uncomplicated pregnancy or labour. A vaginal birth can result in shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery for birthing mothers (Raising Children Network 2024). Women having non-instrumental vaginal births have reported a less traumatic experience and higher satisfaction with labour and birth than those having an instrumental vaginal birth (Alderdice et al. 2019). There are, however, some risks associated with vaginal birth. Potential maternal risks include perineal tears, damage to the pelvic floor, pelvic organ prolapse, and persistent perineal or vulvar pain (Raising Children Network 2024; van Roosmalen and Meguid 2014). Potential neonatal risks related to vaginal births include shoulder dystocia, hypoxia during labour and birth injuries (Raising Children Network 2024; Hannah et al. 2000).
Indicator specifications and data
Excel source data tables are available from Data.
For more information, refer to Data specifications and Methods.
Alderdice F, Henderson J, Opondo C, Lobel M, Quigley M and Redshaw M (2019) ‘Psychosocial factors that mediate the association between mode of birth and maternal postnatal adjustment: findings from a population-based survey’, BMC Women's Health, 19:42, doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0738-x.
Hannah ME, Hannah WJ, Hewson SA, Hodnett ED, Saigal S and Willan AR (2000) ‘Planned caesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for breech presentation at term: a randomised multicentre trial. Term Breech Trial Collaborative Group’, Lancet, 356:1375–1383, doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(00)02840-3.
Raising Children Network (Australia) (2024) Vaginal birth: a guide, Raising Children Network, accessed 23 April 2024.
Rowland I and Redshaw M (2012) ‘Mode of birth and women’s psychological and physical wellbeing in the postnatal period’, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12:138, doi:10.1186/1471-2393-12-138.
van Roosmalen J and Meguid T (2014) ‘The dilemma of vaginal breech delivery worldwide’, Lancet, 383:1863–1864, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60618-8.