How much does a C-section cost?
How much does a C-section cost?
$2,800 – $12,000 average cost with insurance
$15,000 – $38,000 average cost without insurance
Average cost of a C-section
The average C-section costs $2,800 to $12,000 with insurance or $15,000 to $38,000 without insurance. The actual cost will depend on your location, insurance plan, and whether there are complications during the birth. C-sections, also called Cesarean sections, cost more and take longer to recover from than a traditional vaginal birth.
| Coverage | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| With insurance | $2,800 – $12,000 |
| Without insurance | $15,000 – $38,000 |
What is a C-section?
A cesarean section, or C-section, is when a doctor delivers a baby through the mother's abdomen by a surgical procedure. The surgeon makes an incision through the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. A mother may need a cesarean section instead of vaginal birth if:
The labor isn't progressing.
The mother is carrying two or more babies.
The baby is showing signs of distress during labor.
The baby is in a position, like breech, which would make vaginal delivery unsafe.
The umbilical cord is prolapsed.
There is a problem with the placenta.
The mother has a health condition, like pre-eclampsia, which complicates labor.
The mother has already had one C-section.
C-section cost factors
The cost of a C-section depends mostly on your location and insurance coverage. These aspects may also impact the cost of having a baby:
Planned vs. unplanned C-section: If a patient starts off trying to have a standard vaginal birth but ends up needing a C-section, the birth may cost more than a planned C-section.
Deductible: Your deductible, or the minimum out-of-pocket insurance cost, varies by plan. You have to meet your yearly deductible before your insurance plan kicks in and covers any childbirth costs.
Co-pay: A co-payment, or co-pay, is a flat fee you pay out-of-pocket for hospital visits. Some insurance plans require patients to pay coinsurance instead, which is a percentage of the hospital's total fee.
Out-of-network charges: When deciding where to give birth, make sure to choose a hospital that's in your insurance plan's network to minimize costs. Many insurance plans don't cover doctors that are outside of their network.
Complications: If there are any complications during the surgery or if the baby needs NICU care, hospital expenses may increase.
Kids or pets: If you already have children at home or pets, you'll have to arrange for their care, which could increase costs if you don't have family nearby and need to hire help. Babysitting costs $110 to $160 per day, while pet sitting costs $30 to $100 per day.
Since C-section recovery times are often longer and more complicated than a vaginal birth, some mothers use meal delivery services or cleaning services until they're feeling better. House cleaning costs $120 to $280 per visit.
Other charges
Your hospital may also charge you for services related to childbirth, including:
Obstetrician services
Anesthesiology
Hospital room usage
Meals
Medications
Blood work, radiology, or other tests
Cesarean section cost by state
Average C-section costs are lowest in states like Arkansas or Montana and highest in New York, Wisconsin, and Alaska. The table below shows the average C-section cost by state with insurance:
| State | Average cost with insurance |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,900 – $8,200 |
| Alaska | $3,900 – $16,700 |
| Arizona | $3,300 – $10,700 |
| Arkansas | $2,900 – $8,600 |
| California | $3,600 – $11,400 |
| Colorado | $3,100 – $10,400 |
| Connecticut | $3,400 – $10,900 |
| Delaware | $3,300 – $10,300 |
| District of Columbia | $3,300 – $11,000 |
| Florida | $3,200 – $11,900 |
| Georgia | $3,000 – $11,100 |
| Hawaii | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| Idaho | $2,900 – $9,500 |
| Illinois | $3,300 – $12,000 |
| Indiana | $3,000 – $10,700 |
| Iowa | $2,700 – $9,700 |
| Kansas | $2,800 – $10,300 |
| Kentucky | $2,900 – $9,100 |
| Louisiana | $3,200 – $8,500 |
| Maine | $2,900 – $9,200 |
| Maryland | $3,400 – $9,600 |
| Massachusetts | $3,500 – $11,000 |
| Michigan | $3,300 – $9,700 |
| Minnesota | $3,700 – $10,500 |
| Mississippi | $2,900 – $9,700 |
| Missouri | $2,900 – $9,800 |
| Montana | $3,000 – $8,500 |
| Nebraska | $2,900 – $8,800 |
| Nevada | $3,100 – $10,900 |
| New Hampshire | $3,100 – $9,600 |
| New Jersey | $3,800 – $11,700 |
| New Mexico | $2,900 – $9,100 |
| New York | $3,600 – $12,100 |
| North Carolina | $2,900 – $10,100 |
| North Dakota | $3,200 – $11,400 |
| Ohio | $3,000 – $9,100 |
| Oklahoma | $3,200 – $10,600 |
| Oregon | $3,200 – $11,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,300 – $10,300 |
| Rhode Island | $3,600 – $8,200 |
| South Carolina | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| South Dakota | $2,800 – $10,200 |
| Tennessee | $2,900 – $10,200 |
| Texas | $3,100 – $11,300 |
| Utah | $3,200 – $9,000 |
| Vermont | $3,200 – $9,700 |
| Virginia | $3,100 – $10,600 |
| Washington | $3,400 – $10,700 |
| West Virginia | $3,100 – $9,400 |
| Wisconsin | $3,200 – $14,200 |
| Wyoming | $3,200 – $11,300 |
C-section vs. vaginal birth
While C-section costs range from $2,800 to $38,000, the average cost to have a baby with a traditional vaginal birth is typically less, at $2,200 to $15,000. Some moms have their baby at a birthing center, which costs less than a hospital but isn't equipped to help with serious complications or emergencies.
After the delivery, a baby costs an average of $1,100 to $2,700+ per month or $13,200 to $32,000+ in their first year, not including the childbirth costs.
C-section types
There are three main types of Cesarean sections that differ by the way the surgeon makes the incision. The type of C-section may impact the total cost and the recovery time.
The transverse, or horizontal, incision is the most common type of C-section. Some people refer to it as a “bikini” incision because the incision is low on the abdomen.
The classical incision is vertical and located in the center of the abdomen. This C-section type is less common, and doctors normally only use it in emergency situations because it results in a higher risk of complications in future pregnancies.
A low vertical incision is also vertical, but the surgeon makes the incision below the belly button and above the pubic bone instead of higher.
C-section aftercare
C-section is a major surgery, so your body will need plenty of time to rest and heal. Having someone at home to help take care of you and the baby will be a big help. Follow these guidelines and any other instructions from your doctor after a C-section:
Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for several weeks.
Take showers instead of baths until your incision is healed.
Keep the incision clean and dry and watch for signs of infection.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.
Avoid sex until your doctor says it's okay.
Take stool softeners if you're experiencing constipation.
Don't drive until your doctor says it's safe.
C-section FAQs
How long does a C-section take?
The C-section surgery itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, although some surgeons can complete an emergency C-section in as little as 15 minutes. If there are any complications or interruptions, the surgery may take longer.
How many C-sections can you have?
There is no official limit to how many C-sections a mother can have, although some healthcare providers recommend no more than three. The number of safe C-sections depends on your uterine health and any issues with the placenta like placenta previa or placenta accreta.
When can I start bending after a C-section?
You should avoid bending or twisting your abdomen for 6 to 8 weeks after a C-section. Use any pain or discomfort as a guide as you start moving again and avoid any movements that cause pain in your abdomen.
How long do you bleed after a C-section?
Vaginal bleeding, or lochia, after a C-section lasts 2 to 6 weeks on average. This is normal and is the body's way of expelling leftover mucous and blood. If you're breastfeeding, it could help lighten the bleeding. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:
Your lochia is heavy, meaning you have to change your pad more than once per hour.
The blood is heavier or darker in color.
You have blood clots larger than a plum.
You have unusual-smelling discharge.
You have a fever, chills, dizziness, or nausea.
You feel pain when urinating.
Questions to ask your doctor
Before scheduling a C-section, ask your doctor a few clarifying questions:
Why are you recommending a C-section for me?
Can I try to have a vaginal birth first, or is C-section the best option?
What potential risks are there for the baby and me?
What type of anesthesia will you use during the C-section?
Will the incision be transverse or vertical? High or low?
How long will the C-section take?
What can I expect during my recovery process?
How long will I have to stay in the hospital afterwards?
What pain management options will I have after surgery?
When can I return to normal activities?
How should I take care of the incision site?
If I have another baby, can I attempt a vaginal birth after this C-section (VBAC)?
What are the benefits and risks of a VBAC?
How should I prepare mentally and emotionally for a C-section?
Are there any support groups for women who have C-sections?
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