The cost to give birth in the United States varies widely depending on the type of delivery, location, and insurance coverage.
- Average total cost: Around $18,865 for childbirth including pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care
- Vaginal delivery: Average cost is about $14,768, with median costs ranging up to $28,655 depending on state
- Cesarean section (C-section): More expensive, averaging $26,280, with median costs as high as $52,592 in some states
- With insurance: Out-of-pocket costs average around $1,900 for delivery, plus about $3,600 for postpartum follow-ups, totaling roughly $16,391 including baby supplies in the first year
- Without insurance: Costs can range from $10,000 to $37,000 or more for hospital delivery, with C-sections costing significantly more
- Home births or midwife-assisted births: Generally less expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 without insurance and less with insurance
- Cost varies by state: For example, vaginal delivery costs in Nevada can exceed $39,000, while in Alabama they may be around $18,000
In summary, giving birth in the U.S. can cost anywhere from about $2,000 out- of-pocket with insurance to over $30,000 without insurance, with C-sections and hospital births being the most expensive options
