The cost of prenatal care & childbirth: What to expect in the US

July 30, 2025
Carrot
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Welcoming a new baby into the world is a transformative life milestone — and also one of the most expensive if you live in the United States. 

On average, the total cost of prenatal care and childbirth in the U.S. is around $18,865. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses average $2,854. As joyful as pregnancy can be, the cost of prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum recovery can be overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating the process for the first time. 

These numbers make the U.S. one of the most expensive countries in the world to have a baby in. Knowing what to expect financially when you’re expecting is a crucial part of preparation for giving birth. This article will break down the real numbers behind pregnancy and childbirth to help you understand what influences these costs, and how to prepare for them.

How much does prenatal care cost?

All of the ongoing medical support needed to help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby is considered prenatal care. These routine visits allow your care provider to monitor the baby’s development, track your health, and screen for potential complications early on. 

Prenatal care usually includes: 

  • Regular obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) appointments (~$900–7,500)
  • Ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth and position (~$300–700)
  • Lab tests to screen for blood type, gestational diabetes, and infections (~$268)
  • Genetic screenings or other specialized assessments if needed (upwards of $1,000)

Each OB/GYN visit can cost anywhere from $90–500, depending on the provider and location. For a healthy pregnancy, the typical number of prenatal visits ranges from 10–15, which adds up over time to $900–7,500 just in appointment fees if you're paying out of pocket.

Additional prenatal costs
Description
Out-of-pocket amount
Covered by insurance?
Ultrasounds
You’ll usually need at least two
$150–350 each
Typically yes
Lab work
Standard prenatal blood test
Typically yes
Specialized tests if needed
Sometimes
Often but not always
Often but not always

Insurance and prenatal care costs

Insurance makes a significant difference. Most employer-sponsored and marketplace health plans are required to cover essential prenatal services under the Affordable Care Act. However, you may still be responsible for deductibles, copays, or coinsurance depending on your specific plan. 

With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for prenatal care can range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on your coverage. Without insurance, the total cost of prenatal care alone is upwards of $5,000 for a low-risk pregnancy.

If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offer comprehensive prenatal coverage for low-income individuals and families in most states. Eligibility varies, but these programs can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.

Healthier pregnancies, lower costs

How you spend the time before pregnancy can reduce the time it takes to get pregnant — and overall costs.
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The cost of pregnancy: Beyond prenatal care

When you add the cost of prenatal care to the cost of delivery and postpartum care, the total average cost of pregnancy in the U.S. comes to about $18,865. That figure includes prenatal visits, labor and delivery, hospital stays, and follow-up care in the weeks after birth.

Even if you have health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses still add up. On average, insured parents pay between $2,655 and $3,214 for pregnancy-related care, depending on their plan’s deductible, coinsurance rates, and the type of delivery.

For those without insurance, the numbers rise steeply. The average cost of a routine vaginal birth is $13,024, and if you deliver via cesarean section (C-section), the total can climb to $22,647 or more, especially if complications arise or a longer hospital stay is required. 

Childbirth costs in the US: Delivery types and locations

The type of delivery you have and where you give birth are two of the biggest factors that influence overall childbirth costs. In the U.S., a hospital birth with an OB/GYN remains the most common option — and the most expensive. But depending on your preferences, health needs, and insurance coverage, there are alternative settings and care models that can impact what you ultimately pay.

Costs by delivery type:

  • A vaginal birth costs about $14,768 ($2,655 out-of-pocket for insured individuals)
  • A C-section costs roughly $26,280 ($3,214 out-of-pocket for insured individuals)

Because C-sections are more complex surgical procedures, they often involve longer hospital stays, additional medications, and higher expenses overall. However, although cesarean sections are significantly more expensive than vaginal deliveries in terms of total cost, the difference in out-of-pocket expenses is smaller because many people hit their insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum during a hospital stay, which caps what they pay regardless of delivery method.

State-by-state variations and high-cost vs. low-cost states

Childbirth costs can vary widely from state to state, and even between hospitals in the same region. States like California, New York, and Alaska tend to have the highest average costs for labor and delivery, while states like Alabama and Louisiana are on the lower end of the spectrum. 

Hospital birth vs. birth center vs. home birth:

  • A hospital birth is the most common choice, but it comes with the highest price tag due to facility fees, around-the-clock staffing, and immediate access to surgical care if needed. (~$14,000–27,000)
  • A birth center offers a more homelike environment and is typically led by midwives. These centers are a popular choice for low-risk pregnancies and may be partially covered by insurance. (~$7,240)
  • A home birth is the least expensive option upfront, but insurance may not cover much, if any, of the cost. (~$4,650)

Note that while birth centers and home births may be more affordable on paper, any unexpected complications that require a transfer to a hospital can increase your costs quickly. If you’re considering one of these options, it’s important to have a backup plan in place and understand what your insurance will (and won’t) cover if things don’t go according to plan.

How to prepare for pregnancy

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Factors that influence the cost of pregnancy and childbirth

The cost of pregnancy and childbirth can vary widely, not just from person to person, but from one zip code or provider to another. Beyond the type of delivery and birth setting, a number of other factors can significantly influence what you end up paying.

Insurance coverage: private, Medicaid, CHIP

Insurance coverage is one of the biggest variables. If you have private insurance, your out-of-pocket costs will depend heavily on your plan’s deductible, coinsurance rate, and whether your providers and hospital are in-network. Public programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provide coverage for many low-income families, often cover a greater share of costs. 

Geographic location (state, urban vs. rural)

Geography plays a surprisingly big role. The same delivery that costs $8,000 in Arkansas could cost $19,000 in California. Urban areas tend to have higher costs due to hospital rates, cost of living, and provider availability. In rural areas, costs tend to be less, but options can be limited, especially if you're looking for midwifery care, a birth center, or a NICU-equipped hospital.

Type of care provider (OB/GYN vs. midwife)

The type of provider you choose also matters. OB/GYNs typically charge more than certified nurse-midwives, whose care model often includes longer, more personalized prenatal visits and a lower intervention rate. Midwifery care can be a more affordable option for low-risk pregnancies, particularly when paired with a birth center or home birth, although it’s not always covered by insurance.

Medical complications or high-risk pregnancies

Unexpected health issues during pregnancy can raise costs significantly. Complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia may require more intensive monitoring or potential interventions during delivery. High-risk pregnancies often require more frequent visits, additional ultrasounds, specialist consultations, or even hospital stays before delivery.

Multiples (twins, triplets) and NICU stays

Expecting more than one baby can cost 5–20x more than a singleton pregnancy. Multiple births are more likely to involve C-sections and early deliveries, which often lead to NICU stays. Care in the NICU is one of the most expensive parts of childbirth, with daily costs in the thousands. Insurance may cover a large portion, but families can still face high out-of-pocket bills, especially if the stay is extended or specialized treatments are needed for premature babies.

How to plan and save for pregnancy and childbirth costs

Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, but it also comes with very real financial demands. With some thoughtful planning and the right resources, you can avoid being blindsided by bills and instead focus on preparing to welcome your baby. Whether you’re currently expecting or just starting to plan, here are some tips for taking charge of the financial side of pregnancy and childbirth.

1. Start planning early

As soon as you’re thinking about growing your family — even before you’re pregnant — it’s wise to start budgeting for the potential costs. Review your current health insurance plan and calculate what your out-of-pocket maximum is. That number represents the most you’ll pay in a year for covered services, and it’s a good baseline to aim for in your savings.

Building an emergency fund that includes pregnancy-related costs can reduce stress later on, especially if complications arise. And don’t forget about postpartum needs like lactation support, mental health care, and pediatric visits, as these items can add up quickly.

2. Reduce your risk of pregnancy complications

Before getting pregnant — the time period known as the Premester — focus on improving your overall health by exercising, eating more nutritious foods, and getting to a healthy weight. Taking better care of your body during the Premester can reduce the chances of a high-risk pregnancy or delivery complications, which can add a lot of extra expenses.

3. Reduce your out-of-pocket costs

There are several ways to cut down on expenses without compromising care:

  • Choose in-network providers and facilities. This can make a significant difference in what you’re billed. Before scheduling appointments, confirm that your OB/GYN, hospital, and labs are all in-network.
  • Understand your insurance policy. Know your deductible, coinsurance rate, and what’s covered under preventive care. Many prenatal services are required to be covered with no out-of-pocket costs under the Affordable Care Act, but only if you stay within your plan’s network.
  • Use tax-advantaged accounts. If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), take advantage of it. These allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses including prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and hospital bills.

3. Explore resources if you're uninsured

If you don’t have insurance, there are still ways to access affordable care:

  • Apply for Medicaid or CHIP. These public programs offer full prenatal and delivery coverage for those who qualify. Eligibility is based on income and varies by state, but many pregnant people are eligible even if they didn’t qualify for Medicaid before pregnancy.
  • Look into community health programs. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), nonprofit clinics, and local maternal health programs often offer free or sliding-scale prenatal care. Some hospitals also offer payment plans or financial assistance for uninsured patients.

5. Talk to your employer and HR

If your company offers family-building benefits through providers like Carrot Fertility, now is the time to learn what’s available. Carrot partners with employers to provide fertility and pregnancy support, including reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, access to midwives and doulas, and guidance navigating a costly and often confusing healthcare system.

If you’re an HR leader, Carrot can be a powerful addition to your company’s equity and retention strategy, especially for parents-to-be. Consider advocating for more inclusive, flexible benefits that cover not just fertility treatments, but pregnancy and postpartum care as well. The ROI shows up not just in cost savings, but in employee well-being and satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the average cost of prenatal care in the US?

For a typical low-risk pregnancy, prenatal care costs around $5,000 or more without insurance. This includes routine OB/GYN visits, lab work, ultrasounds, and basic screenings. With insurance, your out-of-pocket costs generally range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on your plan’s deductible and network coverage.

How much does it cost to give birth in a hospital vs. at home?

The average hospital birth costs between $14,000–27,000, depending on whether it's a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Insurance can reduce the out-of-pocket cost to $2,655–3,214 for most families.

By contrast, a birth center delivery averages around $7,240, while a home birth costs roughly $4,650, but insurance may cover little or none of those expenses. Keep in mind that unexpected hospital transfers can increase the total cost significantly.

Does insurance cover all pregnancy and childbirth costs?

Not entirely. Most health insurance plans cover essential prenatal and childbirth services in-network, as required by the Affordable Care Act. However, you’ll likely still be responsible for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, which can add up. Knowing what your plan covers and what your out-of-pocket maximum is can help you budget more effectively.

What are the most expensive states for childbirth?

States like California, New York, and Alaska consistently rank among the most expensive for pregnancy and delivery. This is largely due to higher hospital charges, cost of living, and provider rates. On the other end, states like Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas tend to have lower average childbirth costs, though access to midwives, birth centers, or NICU-equipped hospitals may be more limited.

Are there ways to lower the cost of pregnancy and delivery?

Yes. Choosing in-network providers, using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs or FSAs, and understanding your insurance benefits can help reduce costs. For those without coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, and local health programs offer affordable or free prenatal and delivery care. Talking to your employer about family-building benefits — like those offered through Carrot Fertility — can also unlock additional financial support and planning resources.

The costs of prenatal care: Knowledge is power

Pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. come with significant costs, from prenatal care that can exceed $5,000 without insurance, to hospital deliveries averaging between $14,000 and $27,000. Even with coverage, most families pay $2,000 to $3,000 out of pocket, depending on their plan and circumstances. Factors like where you live, your type of insurance, delivery method, and whether any complications arise can all influence what you ultimately pay.

Understanding these potential expenses is the first step toward preparing financially. Every pregnancy is unique, and so is every financial situation. To make informed choices, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider, insurance representative, or a financial advisor who can help you map out the costs based on your needs and coverage. With the right information and planning, you can focus more on preparing for parenthood and less on the price tag.

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