How Much Does It Cost To Have a Baby in 2025

Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, but it's no secret that childbirth in the U.S. comes with significant financial concerns. In 2025, the costs associated with having a baby have continued to rise, influenced by healthcare expenses, childcare costs, and regional variations.

If you're looking to better manage your maternity and delivery expenses, MDsave can help you save up to 50% on medical procedures—including childbirth-related services—by allowing you to compare upfront prices and prepay for care.

Average Cost of Childbirth in 2025

The total cost of having a baby in the United States varies widely based on insurance coverage, location, and the type of delivery. Here's a breakdown:

• With Health Insurance: The average out-of-pocket cost for childbirth is approximately $2,854, covering prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services.

• Without Health Insurance: Families can expect to pay around $18,865 for the entire childbirth process.

• Total First-Year Expenses: When factoring in baby supplies, medical care, and other essentials, the first-year cost can reach approximately $16,391.

For families seeking more affordable options, MDsave’s childbirth-related bundles offer transparent pricing and the opportunity to save significantly on services like ultrasounds, lab work, and even delivery fees in participating hospitals.

Delivery Method Costs

The method of delivery significantly impacts the overall cost:

Vaginal Delivery:

• With Insurance: $2,200–$3,300

• Without Insurance: $9,000–$19,775

Cesarean Section (C-Section):

• With Insurance: $2,800–$3,300

• Without Insurance: $12,500–$28,500

Looking to lower these expenses? MDsave partners with hospitals nationwide to offer pre-packaged pricing on maternity and delivery services—ideal for those paying out of pocket or with high-deductible plans.

Alternative Birth Options

Some families consider alternative birthing options to manage costs:

• Birth Centers: Deliveries typically cost between $3,000 and $4,000.

• Home Births: The average cost is approximately $4,650.

MDsave may offer discounts on prenatal services that support out-of-hospital births, such as routine lab tests and ultrasounds. You can explore more options on this page for historical cost comparisons and savings tips.

Regional Cost Variations

Childbirth costs can differ significantly by state:

• Highest Costs: States like Alaska and New Jersey report higher expenses, with vaginal deliveries reaching up to $9,939.

• Lowest Costs: States such as Alabama and Rhode Island have average expenses around $9,013.

To find lower-cost providers in your area, try searching by your location on MDsave.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Beyond delivery, new parents should budget for:

• Baby Supplies: $1,000–$2,500

• Diapers & Formula: $70–$100/month for diapers; $400–$800/month for formula

• Childcare: Some families spend over $30,000/year for infant daycare

Financial Assistance and Planning

To manage childbirth expenses:

• Review Your Insurance: Understand deductibles and co-pays.

• Use Payment Plans: Many providers offer them—especially when booked through MDsave.

• Explore Government Programs: Medicaid or CHIP may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

• Leverage Employer Benefits: Use HSAs or FSAs to save pre-tax dollars.

MDsave's model supports self-pay and HSA/FSA payments, making it easier to plan financially for childbirth.

While the cost of having a baby in 2025 remains significant, smart planning and access to discounted healthcare options can ease the financial load. MDsave offers upfront pricing and the opportunity to save up to 50% on a wide range of medical procedures, helping families take control of their healthcare spending.