How Much Does Labor & Delivery Really Cost?

April 17, 2014

A recent study by Truven Health Analytics reveals that labor and delivery charges average $16,165 for a vaginal birth and $24,572 for a cesarean birth, with out-of-pocket fees averaging $1,038 for a vaginal delivery and $1,246 for a cesarean.

Of course, these numbers are an average, with real costs depending on your insurance policy, the hospital where you deliver, and the state that you live in. Get prepared by doing your research ahead of time; be sure that the hospital where you plan to deliver accepts your insurance. It’s also smart to print a copy of your insurance benefits summary (and keep it) so you’ll know what’s covered and what expenses you’ll be expected to pay.

Vicki Clinebell majored in journalism at the University of Colorado and headed to an advertising agency before beginning a long career in broadcasting, spanning production and copywriting to Sales and Management for an ABC affiliate station.

Her decision to switch gears to pursue a career in writing fulfilled a lifelong ambition. She started as a blogger for a diverse group of businesses, and now writes for a number of digital publications for companies stationed in her hometown in the Rocky Mountains, and provides advertising copy and media buys for national and regional clients. She finds the research as intersting as the writing—she loves learning about subjects as diverse as construction scaffolding, child safety seats, and the newest trends in beauty and fashion.