Cost of giving birth · 2025 data
How much does it cost to have a baby?
Pregnancy, birth and postpartum care add about $20,416 in health costs for people with employer insurance, and parents pay about $2,743 of that out of pocket. A vaginal birth averages $15,712 in total ($2,563 out of pocket); a C-section averages $28,998 ($3,071 out of pocket), per Peterson-KFF.
| Cost | Total (insurer + family) | Paid by family |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy, birth and postpartum (all births) | $20,416 | $2,743 |
| Vaginal birth | $15,712 | $2,563 |
| C-section | $28,998 | $3,071 |
| Baby’s care, first 18-24 months (no NICU) | $14,268 | $1,724 |
| Baby’s care, first 18-24 months (any NICU stay) | $77,992 | $3,021 |
Source: Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, "Health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care" (Sept. 9, 2025). Figures are added costs compared with similar people who did not give birth, from Merative MarketScan claims for employer plans. Your bill depends mostly on your plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
What sets your own number
Your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum is the most you pay in network for the year. If the birth and the baby’s first months fall in different plan years, you can hit two deductibles. Adding the baby to your plan within 30 days of birth is usually required. Enter your own out-of-pocket figure in the baby budget calculator to replace the average.
This page reports costs only. It is not medical advice.
Last verified October 5, 2026 against official sources: Peterson-KFF.
Cite this page: This Mom, “Cost of Giving Birth”, thismom.com/cost-of-giving-birth/ (updated ). Data free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 with a link to the page.