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.
